Answer
Was it right to put our old dog to sleep?
Question: My wife of 5 months (we have dated for 8 years) had a dog 17 years old. One year ago it had lost the use of its back leg, so it had to be helped outside with each step. About 3 weeks ago it had a stroke and wasn’t able to walk at all,…
Read MoreYou are a false prophet
Question: I read a most interesting Sermon your church is promoting as being the word of God in answering the question of “are there prophets today”. I would remind you of a few facts. In the old testiment God makes a declaritive statement “I do nothing unless I speak to my friends the prophets first”. …
Read MoreWhy should Christians learn the Old Testament?
Question: Why is it important for Christians today to understand the Jewish scriptures of the Old Testament? Answer: Try for a moment to pretend that you know nothing of the Old Testament. You sit down and read about the destruction of Jerusalem in Luke 17: “In that day, he who is on the housetop, and…
Read MoreWhy do you teach that men are born without sin?
Question: I am perplexed by the fact that you can expound upon the idea that all man is born sinless. I am afraid that you need to complete the chapter in Ezekiel 18 – where God says He invites us all to repent, after which He can give us the Holy Spirit, which provides us with…
Read MoreAm I on the right track for finding a spouse?
Question: I know the kind of man I want to marry and I am ready for marriage. I am not dating anyone because I will be leaving the country to study overseas, but I want the person I want to marry to come from that country I am going to study. I am fasting and…
Read MoreIf one person was forgiven of adultery and his spouse later commits adultery, doesn’t it mean neither can remarry?
Question: I have been reading your scriptural interpretation on remarriage, and as a member of the church of Christ, I was surprised. You said that if both spouses had committed adultery, there was a possibility for remarriage. I was always under the understanding that if they both committed adultery, neither one could remarry. Is this…
Read MoreWhose idea what it to send spies into Canaan?
Question: One of our members came to me following our class last evening disagreeing with the answer I gave to the question, “Whose idea was it to send spies into the land of Canaan?” She believes it was the people’s idea not God’s. I have studied it more and come up with the following. If you…
Read MoreWhat do you think about the idea “anything you do in moderation is not a sin?”
Question: My sister and her husband patronize the gambling casino’s at least 2 or 3 times a week. I mentioned to them that I feel that gambling is a sin. My brother-in-law’s answer was, “anything you do in moderation is not a sin.” I do not believe this to be true. I still believe that…
Read MoreCan you get pregnant from pre-nut?
Question: Can you plan to get pregnant off of pre-nut? When my boyfriend and I have sex, he pulls it out, then puts it back in without wiping. He just found out that you could get pregnant off of it, so he`s telling me that I should have been pregnant because of how many times…
Read MoreWhy wasn’t Jesus named Immanuel?
Question: I have another question from my studies involving Isaiah: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). How is it that Jesus was not named Immanuel? Is this a contradiction? Also, I’ve heard that virgin is…
Read MoreHow do I help my depressed teenage daughter?
Question: I am in desperate need of information to help my teenage daughter. She is struggling with self-esteem issues and the like — all of your normal teenage troubles. Now she is showing some signs of depression. She is 13. I have just spent the last 2 hours talking with her, and I thought it…
Read MoreCan personal sins blind a person to the truth?
Question: In a discussion on Calvinism, I stated, “I would advise any reading this thread not to hinge their belief of Calvinism on this verse or discussion alone. ( Ephesians 4:14 ) This is a very deep topic. I would also counsel against taking this sort of scriptural meat on when you know you have…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to be converted and become like children?
Question: Would you please elaborate on what it means to be “converted and become like children” as stated in Matthew 18:1-4? Answer: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,…
Read MoreWhat does the sign of the water and blood mean in John 19:34?
Question: In John 19:34, what does the sign of water and blood mean? Answer: “But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:34). This is not a sign in the sense that the water and blood represented something greater, it is a statement of…
Read MoreWhat do you think the book of Revelation refers to?
Question: Just out of curiosity, what are you teaching on the Book of Revelation? Are you teaching it’s referring to Jerusalem(AD 70) or Rome? Or …? Answer: First, the book of Revelation is quite clear that it is dealing with things that would take place shortly after its writing. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which…
Read MoreWhat did the lampstand and table of showbread represent?
Question: Thank you again for your site and answers to questions about the Bible and Christian living. Now, I have another question concerning the ‘lampstand’ that was in the Temple where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. What was the lampstand used for and what was its significance? I have seen different verses that…
Read MoreDoes smoking menthol cigarettes cause erectile dysfunction?
Question: Lots of people tell me if I smoke menthol cigarettes that I can have a loss of an erection? Is it true or not? Answer: It appears that for many years, there has been a rumor that menthol cigarettes are more harmful than non-menthol brands. I suspect that this rumor has its roots in…
Read MoreDoes it matter how long was Jesus’ hair?
Question: Interesting and thank you for the insight concerning the length of Jesus’ hair, though it does not seem necessary to teach it. It is true. We don’t know if he had long hair or not. How long would it have to be to be considered long anyway? The Bible doesn’t tell us if he had…
Read MoreWhy aren’t we following the Holy Spirit?
Question: I believe that the word of God is truly inspired and is the divine authority in every aspect of our lives today. The one problem I see in this answer to this question is that you seem to assume that everyone who believes that God speaks today does not read and study the Scripture…
Read MoreWhy are there musical instruments in Revelation?
Question: If the New Testament forbids the use of musical instruments in the worship service, why are there musical instruments in the Book of Revelation? Answer: Before answering your question, let’s get a bit more precision. The New Testament doesn’t forbid the use of instrumental music in worship; that is, there is no direct or…
Read MoreWho is the Queen of the South?
Question: Who is the Queen of the South? Answer: “The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42). This is a reference…
Read MoreWhat saved Joshua and Caleb?
Question: While teaching then the book of Numbers last evening all went pretty well until we arrived at chapter 14. The question was asked: “Apparently, what saved Joshua and Caleb?” I said that it was Moses because he was their mediator and interceded for the people. Several in the class disagreed and said it was…
Read MoreWhy do people call Satan a fallen angel?
Question: Where in the Bible does the idea come that Satan is a fallen angel? It cannot be Isaiah 14:12 or Ezekiel 28:13-15; these refer to the kings of Babylon and Tyre. Doesn’t the dragon in Revelation refer to the future? Also what is meant by “spirits in prison?” Answer: The conclusion is based on…
Read MoreWhat constitutes a witness in the Bible?
Question: In Deuteronomy 17:6 and II Corinthians13:1, the passages refer to the “two or three witnesses.” I assume these are eyewitnesses. Does DNA count as an eye witness for justice biblically? So when individuals are convicted on DNA evidence alone for their crimes and incarcerated or put to death, is that biblical or not? Answer:…
Read MoreSince sin comes from our thoughts, does this mean there is no Satan?
Question: Does the following passage mean that there is no Satan or demons that cause men to do evil?: “He summoned the multitude, and said to them, “Hear, and understand. That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.” Then the disciples…
Read MoreCan you help me with some questions on Numbers 13 and 14?
Question: I’m stuck with trying to answer the following questions I have been given to answer for a class I’m teaching this evening on Numbers 13 and 14. Can you help me out with the following? Twelve spies were selected, one from each tribe. Each of the men was a “leader” (vs.2). They were “heads…
Read MoreGive Thanks!
by Daniel L. Holloway via Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 3, p. 77, February 2, 1984 These days, we hear much about our country’s economic woes. And we do not have to look far to find that society is beset with plenty of other problems. Of course, each individual has his own personal difficulties as well. To…
Read MoreWhere did you learn to give counsel?
Question: Hi. I have written to you before and asked questions. Your responses are very good and biblically related. I just was wondering, though, if you have had any teaching or training as a counselor? I have read many of your responses to others as well. I noticed that some people are asking legitimate questions,…
Read MoreHow do you handle nosy neighbors’ questions about spanking?
Question: I have greatly enjoyed all the information and insights that you share on this page. My husband and I are raising three sons. We use spanking as one of our disciplinary tools with the boys, especially for the 3 Ds – deliberate disobedience, disrespect, and dishonesty. Recently one of my sons was in some…
Read MoreCan my husband ask me not to see one of my friends?
Question: Is it right that my husband asks me not to be friends with one of my girlfriends just because he “believes” she doesn’t like him? I have told him many times she doesn’t even make comments about him. My husband and I have been separated and my friend was there for me. My husband…
Read MoreWhen Jesus died, what spirit returned to God?
Question: When Jesus died on the cross he said: “Father into thy hands I give my spirit”. So what is this spirit which Jesus gave to Father? Surely Jesus body was in the grave. Answer: The verse you quote states the answer. “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). Paul indicates that humans…
Read MoreWhy can’t women lead singing, serve at the Lord’s table, and lead a prayer?
Question: I have been struggling with women in worship. I know that men are to be elders and deacons. I know men are to be preachers. What I’m not sure on is why women cannot lead singing, serve at the table and pray. I have found some Scriptures that give me situations where women are…
Read MoreCan you help me with a report on rape?
Question: Hi! I’m in high school and we have this project that we have to do and the topic choice was up to us and I chose to do mine on rape. I was wondering if you could help me out and send me any kind of information that you have on rape. It could…
Read MoreHow do you handle a family in constant financial need?
Question: We have a family who are members here and who have several young children. They have been with us for about six months. He has attended services about five or six times. When he does he participates in class, he seems to know the Scriptures well and could be a real asset to the…
Read MoreDoes your church have a statement of faith?
Question: Does your church have a ‘statement of faith’? Answer: You probably have a copy of our statement of faith in your home; it is usually titled “The Holy Bible.” No, I am not joking with you. Christians are made Christians by following the teachings of Christ. All denominations must add something to it, such…
Read MoreDoes history record Herod killing the children?
Question: Regarding Herod killing the children, are there any other documents from other sources such as Roman or other ancient cultures documenting this event? Answer: “Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were…
Read MoreDo we inherit sin, but do not inherit the punishment?
Question: In light of Ezekiel 18:20, do you feel we are products of our fathers? Can the sin nature be passed down from our fathers to us? I realize there is no punishment from the sin nature of our fathers to us, but the possibility is always there, is it not? Also genetically we are…
Read MoreI attempted to spank my stepson, but I think I mishandled it. What should I have done?
Question: I am so glad I found this website. Please let me introduce myself. I am the stepmother of a teenage boy. I take Christianity and the teachings of Jesus very seriously. I recently married my long-time partner, Jim (the boy’s father), and am now officially his stepmother. A few days ago I walked into my…
Read MoreWas the tree of life different from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?
Question: Please bear with me. I am just recently in the last year come back to studying the Bible, and there is so much I don’t understand. I am what many refer to as ‘backslider’, but am attempting to rectify that. However, there is no one around me to talk to about this and those…
Read MoreAre Christians considered to be Israelites?
Question: Are those who are now under the new covenant, Christians, considered to be Israelites now? Are we the part of the nation of Israel? Figuratively speaking, of course. Answer: Christians are not physically Israelites, but we are the spiritual equivalent. “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that…
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