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What do you think about listening to Joel Osteen for his motivation, even though you know his teaching is wrong?
Question: Hi, I am a member of the church of Christ. Before morning service this past Sunday the TV happened to be on the station with Joel Osteen. I have never really watched him speak before. I must say it was a good message, as far as being motivational. I feel it wasn’t anything that…
Read MoreWill my Hindu grandparents go to heaven if they don’t follow Christianity?
Question: My grandparents are Hindu and very religious. They pray every day for 30 minutes and on the weekends they go to their church and stay there for hours. They are good-hearted, kind people. But can they still go to heaven if they don’t follow Christianity? It’s not like they don’t believe in Jesus, they…
Read MoreWhat is the reasoning behind infant baptism?
Question: There is a Catholic whom I talk to and he told me that the reason for baptizing infants is for the opportunity for them to put on the body of Christ if they were to pass away before reaching the age of accountability. They also say that Paul went into the households and baptized…
Read MoreCan you give me more insight into Mary’s sister?
Question: The Bible talks about Mary having a sister who is the wife of Clopas whose name is also Mary. The Bible states that this Mary had kids and in an article that you wrote you stated her kids were James and Joses. But when we look at Matthew 13:55, it says that James and Joses…
Read MoreCan someone despise himself?
Question: Can someone despise himself? Doesn’t Ephesian 5:28-30 tell us that we all love ourselves? Please, more insight on this issue will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Answer: Despising Trials and Pain Job despised his life because of his trials. “Afterward Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. And Job said, “Let…
Read MoreYour church uses a website and a Facebook page, so why can another church have a fellowship hall?
Question: I’m not even saying I want to have or like having a fellowship hall, but given your stance that the Bible does not specifically provide for it, why do you have a website and email for your church? Also, why do you have a Facebook page? Is not a Facebook page, if used the way…
Read MoreYour class on Song of Solomon was one of the most awkward and painful classes I attended, and I really appreciate it years later
Question: Your work constantly impresses me. As a foster parent, I have discovered that there is a large group of brethren that dislike the nitty-gritty situations that come with helping people who are still of the world. It is sort of the “How can you eat with tax collectors and sinners” perspective. We have introduced…
Read MoreWho is Melchizedek?
Question: Who is Melchizedek in the Bible? Some argue he is the pre-incarnate Christ, others believe the Hebrews author is speaking figuratively. If he wasn’t Jesus, then how did he rank spiritually higher than Abraham to the point of Abraham giving him tithes? Answer: “Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it…
Read MoreIs it wrong to read and adopt certain philosophies of life?
Question: Hey Mr. Jeffrey, I have this book on stoicism, and some of the principles in it teach things such as: Don’t become so overly worried with things outside of your control (such as the weather, traffic, others’ opinions, etc. ) and also speaks about how my judgment on an event could be totally different…
Read MoreIsn’t a baptized person a member of the local congregation?
Question: I am a bit confused. My understanding has always been that if an individual were visiting us, and they obeyed the gospel while here, I would direct them to a sound church in their area. They would not be a member of the local church here, although they obeyed the gospel here. If I…
Read MoreDid we really get married?
Question: Hello, I have an issue that has been weighing on my mind. Like many of your questions, it has to do with sexual activity. Six months ago, I met an amazing, wonderful girl whom I fell in love with. We have spent so much time with each other (after we began our relationship in…
Read MoreWhat did Jesus mean by the kingdom being near in Luke 21:31?
Question: Hello, I had a question regarding the kingdom of God. From my understanding, the kingdom of God is another term for the church. However, after reading the gospel accounts, I found a problem with Luke 21:31. “So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.” My…
Read MoreDo I need her mother’s permission to get married?
Question: Greetings in the name of God! I’ve read through your response to a mail from somebody whose fiancée’s parents denied them consent to become one. Mine is a bit similar, except that my fiancée’s father is deceased and the mother is insisting her daughter cannot marry me. Initially, she was in full support of our…
Read MoreHas La Vista’s site helped the congregation’s visibility?
Question: Hi Brother, I really like La Vista’s website and have been trying to convince our men that, in order to increase our visibility and effectiveness in the area, we should do something similar. I’ve suggested we include God’s word on subjects such as baptism and various sins in general, and then invite those who…
Read MoreIf Paul thought long hair was bad, why did he take a Nazirite vow?
Question: Thanks for the website. I read it all the time. I have a question concerning men and long hair. I know that I Corinthians 11 talks about that. The first part of the chapter is written off by many as cultural, but I disagree with that view; however, in verse 14, it states it…
Read MoreCan porneia only refer to sex with someone you have no emotional connection with?
Question: I was reading your page about the Greek “porneia” and I was wondering if this meant prostitution and sexual intercourse with those to whom you have no emotional connection. More specifically, is sex with someone you love, like a boyfriend or girlfriend, specifically deemed immoral in the Bible, or is this another misrepresented sin lumped…
Read MoreWhy doesn’t God give me my sanity back?
Question: I became a member of the Lord’s church back when I was 14, and I was faithful until mental illness struck me when I was 16. I tried to live faithfully, but I started feeling that I was never good enough for God. At times I would purposefully do the wrong things because I…
Read MoreYour sermon shed light on an issue we were facing
Question: Good day brother Jeffrey, Thank you for helping me clarify some issues which I faced. I read the sermon, Who Is Responsible? It shed some light for us here, together with an explanation of the Individual-Group distinction. I thank our God Almighty for your website. It helps so many people and Christians who need some…
Read MoreWhat if someone wanted to bring a bottle of wine to the church’s Christmas luncheon?
Question: Hello Minister, I have a hypothetical question. A member of your church of Christ brings a container of fermented fruit juice (grape?) to the annual Christmas lunch in your auditorium. He wants to have it with the meal. What if any is your response to him? Answer: I had to chuckle because your question…
Read MoreDoes Christianity promote inequality?
Question: Good day, I would like to ask a question about gender equality or inequality. Does the Bible teach about inequality or equality? Does it and Christianity promote inequality? I’m thinking about verses like I Timothy 2 that says women shouldn’t take authority from men or place men as head of the family. Are men…
Read MoreWas David’s “trick” on Ahimelech a sin?
Question: Hi Jeff, Is a trick a sin? When reading I Samuel 21:1-9, can we say that David lied to Ahimelech or tricked him? In many cases in the book of First Samuel David used a trick to get himself out of trouble. Answer: “David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has commissioned me…
Read MoreCan you explain whether people are saved in these four scenarios?
Question: The gospel was preached to four people who accepted the Word and wanted to be baptized. The first person confessed his drinking habit and asked to be baptized but will gradually stop the drinking later. Can he be baptized to become a Christian? Why or why not? The second person hides his sin with…
Read MoreCan Christians eat animals caught in a trap?
Question: Please, sir, can Christians eat animals caught with a trap? Answer: There are no rules about how an animal is obtained. What is required is that the meat is processed such that blood is drained from the meat. “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no…
Read MoreI have shared some of your postings with viewers of our television program
Question: Not a question but an appreciation. Just a line to say thank you for the website and the sound information you have made available, not only to the brotherhood but to all in general. I am currently doing a local television program for the church. From time to time I have shared your postings…
Read MoreI stopped eating meat after watching a documentary
Question: Hello, I am a vegetarian and I have been one for over a year now. The reason I decided to not eat meat anymore is that I watched a documentary that showed me how meat was processed and injected with steroids and different chemicals. Ever since then, I haven’t eaten any meat, but my…
Read MoreMust the bread be broken by the one presiding at the Lord’s Supper?
Question: I looked at your Q&A about the Lord’s supper, but could not find an answer to my question. Is there any Bible teaching that the man who is “presiding” at the serving of the Lord’s Supper needs to break the bread in two before serving it to the congregation? Thank you for your consideration.…
Read MoreI think I’ve been under a spell
Question: Greetings, I am 26 years old. I am a Christian, but I backslid. It all began a long time ago. I think when I was even less than 7 years when I started masturbating. A few years ago, I met some guy and we committed fornication. I knew I was sinning. Since then I…
Read MoreWho appoints men to be preachers?
Question: Thank you very much for helping not just me but also the churches where there is a slight misunderstanding on this Evangelist subject. Please bear with me in coming to you again, for I want to understand clearly. You said in Preachers: Ordination The idea of ordination is to choose or appoint a man for…
Read MoreShould I have said something when I saw my sister and her boyfriend laying on her bed?
Question: My sister was in her room with her boyfriend, laying on her bed. I accidentally saw them when I let the dog into the room. I think I made a mistake by closing the door again. Should I say something, or is this okay? I feel like even though nothing might happen, it could…
Read MoreCan I treat promises I fear as void and non-binding?
Question: Hello again! I’ve been wondering: since I suffer from OCD, then are all my promises, which I’m struggling to avoid, nullified the very moment I make them? The problem is that I’m having trouble knowing when my OCD mind is playing games with me or when it’s really me making these promises. I’ve read…
Read MoreShould my friend leave her husband so she can worship the Christ?
Question: Dear Brother, Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. This question is regarding my colleague. She was born in a Hindu family but accepted Jesus in her youth. Her parents did not allow her to marry a Christian, so she married a Hindu, concealing the fact that she was a Christian. Her husband did…
Read MoreThank you for reaching out to guide me when I needed it
Question: Dear sir, It’s me again. I know you won’t remember me, as you probably get hundreds of emails from all over the world. But I still remember you. Around three years back, I reached out to you for help regarding my relationship with an unbeliever. They say love is blind. But sometimes love chooses…
Read MoreDoes Jesus forgive all our sins: past, present, and future?
Question: Dear Brother in Christ, Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I went through your website and especially the questions and answers, I want to say that by God’s grace and His enabling you have done a good job. The answers to most of the questions are apt and scripture based. …
Read MoreWhat is Malachi 3:16-18 saying?
Question: Hey Jeffrey, Can you please help me understand what’s going on in Malachi 3:16-18? Is this text saying God is pleased with those who think about Him and meditate about Him? Is it saying He rewards those who do so and fear Him? Answer: “Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another,…
Read MoreIs it a lie to click the “I have read and accept the terms of agreement” boxes when you haven’t really read it?
Question: When installing something online, is it a lie to check off the “I have read and accepted the terms of agreement” boxes when you haven’t really read through them because they are usually pages long? Answer: By clicking the box, regardless if you read it or not, you automatically agree to the terms of…
Read MoreCan you speak something into existence?
Question: I heard someone use the figure of speech that negative thinking “speaks it into existence.” In other words, when you verbalize negativity that person’s reality becomes negative. The Bible tells us God spoke the worlds into existence. Man has the ability to speak something. For example, at some point man said I’m going to…
Read MoreDo I have to support my father, who refuses to work and smokes marijuana?
Question: Hello, First of all, I love your site. I have spent many hours happily reading the archives of the questions asked, which has helped me. That’s why I’m coming to you with this. Because he doesn’t “feel like it,” my father has not worked for fifteen years; instead, relying on my mother to support…
Read MoreHow can we have peace in heaven if some judge us for not teaching them?
Question: I am having a problem with the song “You Never Mentioned Him to Me.” It appears to teach that when we go to heaven people who are not going to heaven will be judging people who are. How can we have joy, peace, no tears, etc? If this takes place, “when in a better…
Read MorePlease pray that I can stop having sex with prostitutes
Question: Dear Minister, I’m a 30-year-old married guy who has been having sex with prostitutes for the last two years. I’m feeling guilty, but I can’t stop doing this so far. I need your prayer so that, through the help of Christ, I can stop having sex with prostitutes. Please do uphold me in your…
Read MoreCan you please explain why Mark and Luke don’t contradict Matthew about remarriage?
Question: Can you please explain why Mark and Luke don’t contradict Matthew about remarriage? Matthew records the porneia exception, but Mark and Luke reject all exceptions. Answer: You are making an assumption that because something is not mentioned that it is a rejection. That is not true. All you can know is that it wasn’t…
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