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Do churches have boards of directors?
Question: My congregation is considering closing and dispersing due to a continued decrease in attendance and the inability to draw new members or visitors. Now I hear we have to have approval from our “board of directors”? Does each church of Christ have a board of directors? Thank you very much for your help. Answer:…
Read MoreWhat should I do about my hidden sexual life?
Question: Hello Brother, Your site is a valuable tool that helped me with some issues and questions that I have in matters of doctrine and the Christian lifestyle. I’ve been following your site for many years ago. I’m a young preacher. I’m a full-time minister in the church of Christ and I’m in my mid-20s.…
Read MoreDid the apostles have the right to forgive sins?
Question: Dear sir, A question was posted a decade or so ago on John 20:21-23 and whether or not all men could forgive sins. I couldn’t see that the responder actually addressed what was meant by the Apostles having the authority to forgive sins, except to say that they could bind or loose what they…
Read MoreI’m afraid my past sins will affect my child
Questions: Hello, I am a 25-year-old married woman, and I am currently pregnant with my first child. My husband and I have been together for five years and married for over two years. When we were first together, I was at a very low point in my faith. We were not abstaining from sex. I…
Read MoreDo parents get sad when their children hit puberty?
Question: Do parents get sad when their kids hit puberty? I’ve seen a lot of parents get sad when their little boy hits puberty. Answer: The early years of a child’s life are rough on most parents. Caring for a baby takes a lot of time and energy. But soon the child is able to…
Read MoreIs having an operation that leaves you infertile a sin?
Question: Dear brother Jeffrey, A sister in our congregation asked me if tubal closure for contraceptive purposes is a sin. She already has children and becomes pregnant easily, but she cannot afford to have another child, as both she and her husband are working, and it is already difficult to raise the children they already…
Read MoreWhy do we see the spirits of the dead?
Question: My wife lost her mom. However, she claimed her mom visited us almost every day before she was finally buried. Sometimes she would say: “She’s standing at the door”, but I couldn’t see anything. Why do we see the spirit of the dead? Answer: Keep in mind that truth is established by the testimony…
Read MoreIs Bible reading a part of worship?
Question: I salute you, brother, in our Lord Jesus Christ. Is scripture reading also an act of worship along with prayer, songs, preaching, the Lord’s supper, and giving? Is there any biblical order to be done in worship? Answer: “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching” (I…
Read MoreI’m feeling extreme guilt
Question: I feel extreme guilt for past sins. Sins that most would count as minor. Breaking the law whether intentional or not … not confessing to things I know about from years ago, breaking rules at home, work, friendship-wise, etc. It’s the wee hours of the morning, and I feel terrible thinking how horrible of…
Read MoreAdding to the Word of God?
by Wayne S. Walker Most faithful Christians are aware that through the years many unauthorized additions have been made to what God’s word teaches. Denominations have added their own creeds to the doctrine of Christ. Additions to scriptural baptism, either in the action (sprinkling and pouring) or in the subjects (infants, babies, and small children)…
Read MoreWhat should I tell my son who has a fear of death?
Question: What should I tell my son who has a fear of death like me? He is only six but seems to be afraid of the concept of death. Answer: In order for you to help him, you will first have to conquer your own fears. “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me…
Read MoreWhy was Adonijah killed by Solomon’s orders?
Question: Why was Adonijah killed by Solomon’s orders? Answer: To understand the dynamics a bit, we need to understand that typically succession of a king went by birth order. “Sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite;…
Read MoreYour 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…
Read MoreIs 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…
Read MoreBaptism, 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…
Read MoreI 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…
Read MoreIs 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…
Read MoreMay 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…
Read MoreWhat powers did the apostles have before and after being baptized by the Holy Spirit?
Question: What different powers did the apostles have before and after they were baptized with the Holy Spirit? Answer: “Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness” (Matthew 10:1). “And He called the twelve together,…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreMy 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…
Read MoreShould 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.…
Read MoreIs 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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreI 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…
Read MoreGod 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…
Read MoreDo 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…
Read MoreDoes 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.…
Read MoreI’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…
Read MoreDo 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…
Read MoreI’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…
Read MoreI 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…
Read MoreShould 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…
Read MoreCan 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…
Read MoreIs 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…
Read MoreI 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…
Read MoreShould I give up going to church because I keep committing fornication?
Question: Hey, I’m a Christian and go to a Pentecostal church but I seem to always fall into a deep sin of fornication, I end up having sex with my girlfriend. Me and her, we know we’re not supposed to but end up doing it. We’ve tried many ways to minimize ways it could erupt,…
Read MoreYou need to really study the Catholic Church before making incorrect statements on your website
Question: I converted from the church of Christ over 40 years ago and have been a member of the Catholic Church since then. Your online article is totally incorrect in almost all areas. Examples are you say we worship statues and idols. Totally incorrect! They are only there for reminders of Christ’s sacrifice and his…
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