Your map of the Exodus route really helped

Question: Hello, I lead a Bible study at our small church. This week, we are looking into Exodus 13-14. When reviewing the scriptures, I had a difficult time placing the route of Israel out of Egypt through the Red Sea. Several references I use placed the “cities” mentioned in Scripture in “odd” places relative to…

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Is an ad blocker immoral?

Question: Is it immoral to use an adblocker on a computer? I’m mainly referring to how you can block ads on videos. Aside from the fact that certain websites could contain malware within their ads, would it be cheating the content creators and streaming services of their revenue obtained from ads if one were to…

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Baptism, the Godhead, and the King James Bible

Question: Hey, are you the person that is behind the answer on the La Vista Church of Christ website? Surprisingly, it looks like you have very sound doctrine, which, of course, is very rare to find considering how many false prophets and teachers there are that exist. Answer: [Note: “Then the Pharisees went and plotted…

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I don’t understand Leviticus 27

Question: Can you help me? I don’t understand this chapter on redemption and who is paying who. I understand voluntary vows made as persons, property, animals are consecrated to the Lord, but I am having trouble understanding why the valuations and who is paying who? Thanks. Answer: There are times people make promises to God…

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Is it wrong to listen to someone’s private conversation?

Question: I’ve had a problem with eavesdropping on conversations between my parents. They’ve been going through some issues spiritually and out of concern, I’ve often gone out of my way to listen in through the wall. I will admit there have been other times I’ve done this out of curiosity even when I knew the…

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May a church receive interest on the money it has deposited at a bank?

Question: The local bank, which the church here has been doing business with for over six decades, is closing its local office. The next nearest office is over 20 miles away. If we maintain our current account, the church treasurer would have to drive the extra miles to make the contribution deposit, and at other…

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How should I help the homeless?

Question: Dear Sir, I live in a city where there are a lot of homeless people. I need to know what I as a Christian need to do to help them. I give money at my local grocery store that goes to a food bank for those in need, I also leave a care package…

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My wife lied about her virginity. Can I divorce her?

Question: Hello, I have gone through many of your articles and answers, but still, I am doubtful on the exception clause of Matthew 5:31-32. I have a few questions to ask you. It would be better to quote Bible verses so I can go by the word of God. The question is regarding my marriage…

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Should we let a denominational group borrow our baptistery?

Question: Hello, Mr. Hamilton, I hope this finds you well. Every morning on my way to work I listen to your sermons. I greatly appreciate the work you have put into your program, as I have learned so much listening to them over the last couple of years. I belong to the church of Christ.…

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Is there an example of a church asking someone to come work with them?

Question: Hi, I called and talked to Jeff regarding the biblical authority for having a local evangelist or preacher. I appreciate the time he took to talk to me and help me. I do have a few follow-up questions. Also, I really appreciate your website as it is easy to navigate, is full of good…

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How does God heal people today?

Question: How does God heal people now that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including healing are no longer given to people? I believe that God heals us still because He has healed me, but it wasn’t instant like when the apostles healed. We pray for God to heal the sick, but I wonder if…

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The evil in this world makes me want to be a Buddhist

Question: I read your response to the person asking questions about theodicy. I don’t feel you did a good job answering: Inasmuch as I can understand God “letting” a bad person hang themselves, it makes no sense that innocent, good, sincere people should suffer as a result. A young couple on their second date in…

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Why aren’t churches protesting sin?

Question: Hello, Why aren’t more churches protesting sin as the Westboro Baptist Church does? Answer: First, you find no command or example that God’s people are expected to lead protests. We teach that sin is wrong. We teach why sin is wrong. But marching around funerals and other places does not accomplish any teaching. “But…

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I have trouble at times believing God is real

Question: Hi, I’m quite young (13) and I have been struggling with my faith a lot. It’s kind of hard to explain so I’ll try to put it simply. I want to believe in God but I am having trouble at the moment believing God is real. Just a few days ago, I was strongly…

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God never said Judah and Samson actually sinned

Question: I frequent your website. First, I want to say thank you for what you do. Christ bless you and everyone involved. But I want to chime in on this talk in regards to whether Samson and Judah actually sinned (Why wasn’t Judah punished for seeing a prostitute?). The asker made some fantastic points, to…

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Do non-Christians get chastened by God?

Question: “But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons” (Hebrews 12:8). I’m struggling with this verse just a bit. Do non-Christians get chastened (disciplined)? I’m not sure, because of the second phrase “of which all have become partakers”. Is the “all” just Christians, or…

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Does God answer requests to die?

Question: I have a question for you. When someone prays for death does God ever answer that prayer? I have had so many health issues and depression that I want to die and go to heaven. I have asked God to take me peacefully in my sleep. I’m still here and I don’t know why.…

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I’m unsure if I’m married to my ex-boyfriend

Question: Good evening! I’ve been praying, reading the Word, and reading godly people’s commentary on this topic – but I am still confused. I’m unsure if I will ever receive a definitive answer, but I would really appreciate any Scriptural knowledge you could share. I basically am just unsure if I’m technically married to my…

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Do past sins disqualify us from certain jobs?

Question: Does our sin disqualify us from things? If I were a thief would that mean I can never be a bank teller? If I were a former drug dealer could I never be a lawyer or police officer? I have done bad things in the past in the profession I currently hold but have…

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I’m supposed to be baptized soon, but I keep focusing on sexual things

Question: Hello Jeff, For years I hated gay and trans people. I am always ridiculing them and when I’m downloading a movie or tv series I always check whether there are gays in it or not first before downloading. The violent stuff or heavy sex (man and women) doesn’t matter to me, it’s always seen…

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I learn a ton from your writings

Question: In reference to It is getting hard not to have sex. I want to marry my boyfriend, but I don’t want to give up my independence. Can we get married so we can have sex, but still live apart? I just want to say – such good answers. Bless your heart! — for taking…

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Should I let my children watch Ghostbusters?

Question: Jeff, I have kind of maybe a silly question here, but here it goes. One of my kids (a 7-year-old boy) has an interest in the Ghostbusters. I use to watch those movies on TV in the past when I was a kid. They were heavily edited back then, and I didn’t realize some…

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Can I name my band “The Levites”?

Question: Good Evening Minister. I trust this meets you well. I would like to ask a question: I am a singer in my church and I am trying to form a Christian band. Can I use The Levites as a band’s name? Regards. Answer: All Christians are to sing in worship, not just a few…

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Is killing an abortionist right?

Question: What do you think of Paul Jennings Hill and the Army of God movement? Paul Hill shot a baby-killing abortionist in 1994 and was executed in 2003. I believe that because Paul Hill prevented babies from being murdered that day he acted rightly. Many Christians I know, “pro-life” leaders and politicians I have heard…

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I think Adam and Eve sinned simultaneously

Question: Dear Minister: Adam and Eve Sinned Simultaneously. In “How Long Is A Day?” you said, “If Eve was not the first to sin, then what do we do with Paul’s proof in I Timothy 2:14?” First, consider the source (Saul|Paul, aka 18 verses in Acts 22:24-29; 22:30; 23:1-5; 23:6-11). Paul’s argument started from the wrong…

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My boyfriend changed his mind about marrying me

Question: I’ve been with my boyfriend for several years. We have a small child together. We have bought a house together. And I love him. We have blended a family consisting of his prior child and my prior children from a previous marriage. He ask me to marry him one night about two years ago,…

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Should we marry after committing fornication?

Question: Good morning, I have a question. I am a Christian, growing in grace, I’m 26 years of age. I met a young Christian lady during the time I was asking the Lord who will go with me on this mission as a wife. When I saw her, my spirit agreed that she was the…

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What am I supposed to get from John 1:12?

Question: Good morning. I really don’t know. What am I supposed to get from reading and studying the Bible? For instance: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” What should this mean to me? Answer: To understand…

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Am I obligated to confess mortal sins I didn’t know were wrong?

Question: I have a question about not confessing sins. As a kid, I really only thought mortal sins were things like not killing people, not stealing from people, not cheating on your wife, etc. I didn’t really know about other mortal sins at that time. To be a mortal sin, it is required that you…

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My husband doesn’t want more children

Question: Hi Mr. Hamilton! My husband told me more than once that we could have another child, but then he said he can’t psychologically take on the responsibilities of having another child. I’ve openly and honestly told him why I would like another child and that it was hurtful for him to break a promise…

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Will I be aware of my body decomposing?

Question: I have a random question about death that I was hoping you could answer. When I die will I be aware of my body decomposing? I’m afraid of that and afraid of bugs and worms eating my body. Will I truly not be in the grave? And is cremation wrong? Answer: Your body is…

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How do I make sure my father is cared for?

Question: Hi, I want to let you know that I found this article, Honor Your Father and Mother, to be helpful. I was using the Holy Bible app and this article was listed as a reference for additional commentary for Ephesians 6:2-3. I’m going through difficult times trying to make sure my aged father is…

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Should we mask or not?

Question: I am interested in your opinion concerning local mask mandates. If the county government (health department) issues a mask mandate requiring individuals over age 5 to wear masks in public buildings or public transportation but the mandate does not require businesses to enforce the mandate, it is simply left to the individual to abide…

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Is Revelation 20:10 accurate in the KJV?

Question: Hello. Is the King James translation of the Book of Revelation in chapter 20, verse 10 in the same book an error? “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever…

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Is I Corinthians 11:30 talking about physical or spiritual ailment and death?

Question: Jeffrey, “For this reason many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep” (I Corinthians 11:30). I have heard, I think more than one person, state that the Greek rendered “sleep” here means dead (physically dead). Is this correct? I guess I’m trying to figure out if they were physically weak and sick…

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Is baptism more than a symbol?

Question: Hello, I have a question about a possible omission in a statement found on “What Saves a Person?” It’s specifically about this statement: “Be Baptized: God selected a simple method by which we demonstrate and declare our acceptance of His offer of salvation — immersion in water. It is a physical act that symbolically represents what…

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Is it gossip to comment about someone at dinner?

Question: I had another question about gossip. I was at dinner with my family, and we were talking about some funny times during our last vacation trip. These stories only stay within our family. We don’t tell them to anyone else. One story involved a stranger, whom I mentioned something without thinking. He was sitting…

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