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If a Jew had divorced and married another prior to Jesus’ death, would he have to put away his new wife before being baptized?
Question: Thank you for taking my question. If there had been Jewish men on the day of Pentecost who had previously given their original wives a Bill of Divorcement and were now married to other women, would they have to put away the new wives before they were baptized? Thank you. Answer: Repentance is required…
Read MoreWould I be saved if I only got baptized because all my friends were being baptized?
Question: If I was baptized when I was 12 just because my friends were being baptized would this be a saving baptism? Answer: If your only reason for being baptized was to imitate your friends, then how was it different from following your friends in jumping into a pool? What gives baptism its meaning is…
Read MoreWas “homosexual” mistranslated?
Question: Hi, I recently came upon a claim that, because of mistranslation, homosexuality was condemned even though it isn’t stated as being bad. I read certain people explaining that I Corinthians 6:9-10 is mistranslated since “homosexual” wasn’t even a word in Ancient Greek. They even claim that only the abuse of boys by older men…
Read MoreWhat constitutes a vow?
Question: Hi Jeffrey, What constitutes a vow is something I’ve been trying to understand. Can you help me understand from the Bible why you say it’s a commitment witnessed by others? It seems like these thoughts I have could be considered rash vows, or they could not be vows at all. I think of them…
Read MoreNatural Relations
by Matthew W. Bassford Though the battle is over these days (at least as far as wider American society is concerned), the past couple of decades saw a great deal of strife over the practice of homosexuality. In their ultimately successful assault on Biblical morality, gay-rights proponents adopted three main strategies: rejecting the authority of…
Read MoreAm I sinning if I’m cursing in my thoughts?
Question: My boyfriend was just baptized and he’s been struggling. He has a little bit of anxiety. He’s been trying to work on his cursing. he’s doing great. But he asked me a difficult question. He asked, “Am I still sinning if I keep the cuss words in my brain?” I said that I wasn’t…
Read MoreWhy was Elijah taken up so dramatically?
Question: Why was it necessary for Elijah to be taken into heaven as he was? Answer: Unfortunately, God didn’t tell us why He chose to take Elijah in a whirlwind. Of course, the lack of a reason has led to many speculations, but we must keep in mind that these are merely the opinions of…
Read MoreI compulsively want to make vows
Question: Hello, I have a question about vows. For a year or so, when I become concerned that something I’m doing or might do is sinful, I suddenly start to think a vow to God that I won’t do that thing. This happens with no time to think about the vow, about whether I want…
Read MoreShould you baptize someone who doesn’t plan to be a member of the church?
Question: I read Baptized but Not Converted on your site, but I have a more specific question. After a long study with some ladies, they all came to the conclusion that baptism was essential for salvation. One of the ladies, right before she was baptized, indicated that she wouldn’t be attending services. Should she have been…
Read MoreWould I be able to remarry?
Question: Your website is wonderful and I am learning a lot! I have seen similar questions but not quite the same. I’m not sure if I was a believer at the time of my marriage or afterward. I grew up in the church and knew who God was but I did not have the Holy…
Read MoreI love her, but she remains with her boyfriend
Question: Good day, I joined a church for close to a year now. There’s this particular lady in the church I like and wished to get closer to her to know if she’s free and available for marriage. Eventually, we got talking and it was as if she also had been waiting for me. She…
Read MoreWhen is “faith” referring to the system of faith (the Gospel) or personal faith?
Question: Dear Brother Hamilton, When “Faith of Jesus of Christ”, “by the faith of Jesus of Christ” is mentioned in Galatians 2:16; 3:19-28; and Romans 3:22 is it referring to the objective faith (gospel) or personal faith? The American Standard, ESV, and other versions translate it as Faith in Jesus Christ? Is it referring to…
Read MoreDid eating from the forbidden tree give Adam and Eve intelligence?
Question: After Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, they realized they were naked. Is it not that some kind of intelligence that was revealed in their mind? I am saying this because chimpanzees and other animals move around nude without realizing they are naked. Answer: Intelligence was already shown in the complexity of…
Read MoreIs it wrong to not consider myself a part of any specific religion?
Question: I wonder all the time if I am wrong to not consider myself to be of any specific religion. I know Jesus is our Lord and I believe in him, but when someone asks what my religion is I do not know what to say because I do not like the war that separates…
Read MoreI’m worried that I wasn’t baptized properly
Question: Hey, I’ve been reading your articles about baptism and asked my Christian parents to baptize me. They were very kind and asked me if I believed in Jesus. I did everything right, except I’m very worried I was not under the water properly. They keep saying I was so I try to believe them,…
Read MoreExplain the statement in Job: “God giveth and God taketh away”
Question: Explain the statement in Job: “God giveth and God taketh away.” Answer: “He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD'” (Job 1:21). Job realized that we didn’t bring anything with us…
Read MoreWhat is Arminianism?
Question: Good morning Jeffrey, I’m having an issue understand something. A lot of the denominational world is under the assumption that if a person is not a Calvinist, then they are an Arminian. What is an Arminian? I’ve thoroughly studied Calvinism and its faults, but I can’t seem to find much info on Arminianism. I…
Read MoreWhy are references to the same speech worded differently?
Question: Hi, I had a question regarding the Gospels and in particular certain parts of them. I was comparing the words written in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and I believe Luke 21. I noticed these all talk about the same situation but the wonder I am having is why the words are different. Some parts…
Read MoreWhat can we pray to remove a curse?
Question: Dear sir, I am in my mid-30s and I am unmarried. My two older siblings are also unmarried. I am working but my siblings have no jobs. We live with our uncles, aunts, and their children. Recently, my dad died of a heart attack. One of his brothers died from COVID last year and…
Read MoreKing and High Priest Now
by Terry Wane Benton Premillennial thinking is that Jesus was not able to set up His kingdom in the first century like He planned, postponed that plan, and will come back again later to set up His kingdom on earth and reign for 1000 years. That is a mistaken view. Another view is that of…
Read MoreHow do we save our relationship without having sex until marriage?
Question: Hello there! I recently came across your article about couples that have committed sexual sins before marriage and how they still worked out and still have room for hope. My loved one and I are wanting to get married. We plan on getting married but with going to college, getting out of our debts,…
Read MoreWho is Romans 12:13 talking about?
Question: Good morning, I came across a comment that was made on a particular verse: Romans 12:13, “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” Could you please comment on who it is that is distributing the needs of the saints? And that of given to hospitality. In Greek, this “given to hospitality,” is…
Read MoreI’m worried that I might not find a husband
Question: Good morning, I lived my life believing in God and wanting to do God’s will. I focused my studies on what I believed was God’s will for me, and in my personal life, I tried to help others when I could. I’ve tried to attend a church that focuses on following the Bible. Unfortunately,…
Read MoreHow do I not let my mother’s statements hurt me?
Question: Hello, I read the following answers about dealing with an ungodly parent: How do you honor an abusive parent? How do I honor abusive, ungodly parents? They resonate with me as I am having similar issues with my own mother. I realize people are responsible for their own behavior just as I am for…
Read MoreDo I need to apologize when I didn’t intend to cause an offense?
Question: Hello Mr. Jeffrey, I have a question. Recently I visited a church small group. It so happened that the group, which was lead by a man, had 9 women and 2 men which is significantly more skewed than the general church’s ratio. I obviously was weirded out by this ratio and said, “If I…
Read MoreWhy did Jesus cite only six of the Ten Commandments to the young ruler?
Question: I visit your site often to look up topics and articles. There is very good information cited in them. I have a question, you might be able to answer. In Matthew 19:18-19, why did Jesus only cite six of the ten commandments to the rich young ruler and not all? Thanks. Answer: The account of…
Read MoreYour articles have been helping me
Question: Hello! I am just a person working with the Church of Christ to become right with God to fuller faith. I just wanted to say that you have been helping me with your articles and I appreciate it. I hope God blesses you. Answer: It is always good to hear that someone has benefited…
Read MoreWhy did Jesus talk about his death if the disciples didn’t understand until later?
Question: Good afternoon brother Jeffrey, I had a question regarding Jesus Christ and the gospel that he preached while he was still alive. As I was reading the book of Matthew, and I was studying how Jesus was preaching the gospel. I know that Jesus preached messages that apparently people didn’t understand. If the gospel…
Read MoreHow do I deal with friends wanting me to join various prayer groups?
Question: I sure can use your help. I have friends who keep wanting me to join this or that prayer group. They send attachments to many websites that call for prayer on various subjects. I tell them I pray for many of these subjects, but I do it on my own. Answer: “When you pray,…
Read MoreWhy does God allow sinful things to worship Him?
Question: If your opinion of using musical instruments in the New Testament is sin, why does God allow sinful things to be used to worship Him, either symbolically or physically or metaphorically or whatever in His presence? In the Old Testament sacrifices and musical instruments are used to worship God; in the New Testament sacrifices…
Read MoreHow do I write a letter of apology for my sins?
Question: Greetings sir, Please, I was disfellowshiped. I want to write an apology letter regarding my sins of fornication, pride, and disobedience. How do I write it? Answer: There is no requirement in the Bible for a formal letter to be written in order to apologize for your sins. What is needed is an acknowledgment…
Read MoreHow do I return to God after committing fornication?
Question: Good morning, Thanks for all you do for singles all over the world — taking questions and giving wisdom-filled answers. God will keep blessing you. I have a huge problem. I’m a leader in my local assembly, and I’ve been engaging in the sin of fornication with my wife-to-be and most recently with a…
Read MoreShould I stay with my husband or my children?
Question: Good morning brother Hamilton I don’t want to say I am a fan, but I learned a lot from the lessons, sermons, and questions and answers on the La Vista Church of Christ website, and I am still learning. Glory to God for such initiative. I am grateful for having such a platform where,…
Read MoreAm I wrong for moving on while waiting for the divorce to happen?
Question: Good evening, Several years ago, my wife left me for another man. She now has a child with this man and has been living with him since then. I waited over a year, trying to reconcile with her, but my attempts failed. I have moved on and have every intention of marrying the woman…
Read MoreI’m not sure I was baptized correctly
Question: Hi, I hope you all are well. I’m a sister (I think) and your website has given me great encouragement and also some questions recently. I was baptized after several months of Bible study. I am concerned that it may not have been done the right way or that I may not have had…
Read MoreIs it scriptural for one congregation to invite another congregation for evangelism?
Question: Dear Brother, Is it scriptural for one congregation to invite another congregation for evangelism? I look forward to your response. Thanks in anticipation. Answer: I’m puzzled about what exactly is the concern. “To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,…
Read MoreI’m not certain about my salvation
Question: I’ve been very anxious about my salvation and baptism. I was saved at around 12 years old and baptized when I was almost 14. I was so on fire for God when I was baptized. I was wondering if I should be baptized again because even though I was very genuine about it, I’m not…
Read MoreWas baptism commanded in the Old Testament at the time of John the Baptist?
Question: Was baptism commanded in the Old Covenant at the time of John the Baptist? I thought baptism was not commanded in the Old Testament for salvation. I have always heard that baptism was not commanded in the Old Testament. Am I missing something here? Mark 1:4 mentions John’s baptism of repentance for the remission…
Read MoreThere seem to be reasons to believe the earth is older than 6,000 years
Question: I have been considering the question of the age of the Earth and universe for many years. For a long time, I believe the Earth was only a few thousand years old based on the Bible. However, I have come to consider many other factors that don’t seem to make sense with that belief.…
Read MoreI’m addicted to prostitutes
Question: I am addicted to prostitutes. I want to get out. I have tried but I still sin. I want to give my life to Christ. Answer: People claim to have an addiction to give the impression that they have little choice. No one starts life as an addict, whether we are talking about drugs…
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