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How far can you go with your girlfriend in regard to intimacy?
Question: Hi Jeff, How far can you go with your girlfriend in regard to intimacy? Answer: Let’s start with what most people would agree would be going too far: sexual intercourse or fornication. Sexual acts outside of marriage are sinful and are covered under the word “fornication.” In Greek, the word is porneia. It is…
Read MoreShould Christians take part in Muslim celebrations?
Question: Should Christians take part in the Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) celebration of Muslims as a way of building peace and unity in a country where the citizens are predominantly Christian and Muslim? How should Christians respond to an invitation by Muslims to eat their Sallah ram (food)? Answer: Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) is a holy day and a…
Read MoreShould I stop using social media that advertises abortions?
Question: I was on Instagram and saw an ad for Planned Parenthood. it made me so mad! I immediately reported it as offensive. But should I just stop using it altogether? Would it be wrong for me to make a post about why abortion is evil? I’m a woman and wouldn’t want to overstep my…
Read MoreIs Christianity a myth?
Question: Hey Mr. Jeffrey, I’m taking a philosophy class, and we are studying how the Greeks used mythology in the past to make sense of their world. I asked the professor to explain what a myth is and he said “a story you don’t believe.” I knew I could’ve picked that answer apart, but I…
Read MoreIf I committed adultery in the past, does that mean I can never marry?
Question: Hello brother, After studying the Bible more, I look back on my life and feel ashamed of the sinful acts I’ve committed. I’m now at the point where I’m ready to marry, but I wonder if I scripturally can. I’ve never been married, but in my past, I have been unpure as a single…
Read MoreWhat if I’m not good enough for God?
Question: I read something on your website about a statement made that says that if a person could not be trusted with things on earth, then why would God trust him with things in heaven? Does this mean if somebody is a complete failure, they have no hope of even getting to heaven? How does…
Read MoreShould the church ask its members to borrow money for its building project?
Question: Hi Jeff, Is right to borrow money for the sake of contributing to building a worship hall for the church? We are encouraged by our minister, as individual brethren, to do so since it is an important project of the church. Answer: The Bible teaches that being in debt is not a sin, but…
Read MoreGod never speaks to us in verbal language
Question: Peace be with you; We’re dealing with God’s word, not conversation between two people, so God never speak to us in verbal language. Best wishes. Answer: I left this note as it was sent. I have to admit, I’m puzzled because there are so many wrong concepts presented in so few words. The Bible…
Read MoreI get teased for being a Christian
Question: Hi there, I have many questions, and I need your help badly. I am the only Christian in my family and in my high school. Others tease me once I mention that I am a Christian in my country. Answer: You’ve come to the right place because I tend to have many answers. “Blessed…
Read MoreDo you know of good Inductive Study guides?
Question: Does anyone know a good Inductive Study Guide for study on how to learn the Scripture? I know there are items out there, but I was trying to locate one that members of the Church of Christ have reviewed and found to be of sound teaching. So many folks really do not know how…
Read MoreIs there a minimum level of faith needed to become a Christian?
Question: I have been a Christian for many years. When I was baptized I came up out of the water and began to doubt if I really believed in Christ. I was under much emotional stress at that time. I did not let this doubt stop me from worshiping, but I always seemed to feel…
Read MoreIs it wrong to attend events where people might be drinking or smoking?
Question: I have had some best friends since my school days, years ago. I am the only person among them who is baptized. We all meet twice a year and during that meeting they all drink and smoke. I don’t drink or smoke since I was baptized. They are all good, sincere people and don’t…
Read MoreDoes Jesus’ blood continually cleanse us from all sin?
Question: The Bible says we will give an account of our life and sin, but God washes away our sins at baptism and the blood of Christ continually cleanses. He forgives us and remembers no more, so is there judgment where our sin is remembered, or are we as white as snow because of Jesus’…
Read MoreWhat is meant by ruling with a rod of iron?
Question: What did the Apostle John mean, when he wrote that Christ, the child, “was to rule all nations with a rod of iron” in Revelation 12:5? Answer: We are given an image of the kingdom, the universal church, coming into being after Jesus was resurrected and went back up to the Father. Reading a…
Read MoreHow can we be confident that God will answer our prayers?
Question: Hello, I have a question regarding prayer, one which I have submitted to numerous places. I’ve tried to present it in the most concise and intellectually understandable language I can think of but have received in response almost an outright refusal to acknowledge what it is I am asking. Whether it is deliberate or…
Read MoreWere only Levites allowed to use instruments in worship?
Question: Dear sir, Please help me resolve a question regarding the use of instrumental music in worship by Christians. Although it is not prohibited specifically, the fact that God specified singing ought to warrant its prohibition through the principle of “silence of the Scriptures” as indicated by Hebrews 7:14. The problem is that, under the…
Read MoreIf I disagree with a brother or a leader, am I being rebellious?
Question: If a brother gives me a challenge do I have to take that challenge? If I choose not to, am I being rebellious? Or what if I disagree with a leader? Answer: It probably depends on what the brother is challenging you to do, but the general answer is “no.” We help each other…
Read MoreIs getting pregnant by artificial insemination when you are not married a sin?
Question: When I was in my thirties and no man would marry me, I had twins by sperm donation. There wasn’t any sexual sin involved in the conception, if that matters. I personally don’t think it does, but you would know better than me. Anyway, I know that isn’t what the Bible says is the…
Read MoreIf someone attends, but hasn’t become a member, and then stops coming, should you withdraw from him?
Question: Someone begins attending a congregation but does not ask to be a member there. He starts forsaking the assembly. Can you withdraw from him? He was baptized. Answer: Before I answer the question, I want to note that some congregations add people to their membership simply because they keep attending services at the local…
Read MoreMy son is no longer attending church, so is it wrong to pick up my grandchildren?
Question: If my son is baptized but not attending, and my daughter-in-law is not baptized, is it wrong to pick up my grandchildren? Answer: Be careful not to blame kids for their parents’ sins. You seem to be mixing your son’s disobedience as if it was also your grandchildren’s. Each person is responsible for his…
Read MoreHow many are going to heaven?
Question: How many are going to heaven? Answer: We don’t know how many there will be. There is no upper limit on how many heaven could hold. Descriptions of heaven tell us that there will be a great multitude of all who followed God through the ages. “After these things I looked, and behold, a…
Read MoreAre the Ten Commandments separate from the Law of Moses?
Question: I am a member of the Lord’s church. I ask for your help in helping me answer the below response from two who believe that the Sabbath has not been abolished. The site they are referring to is your site on the subject of Answering the Sabbath Observance that I forwarded to them, hoping that would…
Read MoreDo you need a sign from God before you are able to date or marry someone?
Question: Hello, I am seeking godly advice on dating, but primarily on marriage. Advice about dating; and Do you need a sign from God to be able to marry, or can you choose your spouse yourself based upon biblical guidelines alone? To a 20-year-old guy who has never been in a relationship and never asked…
Read MoreI have had guilt since I let an escort do oral sex on me
Question: Hello, The other day I spent the night with an escort but did not have sex. I am still a virgin in my 30’s. I did, however, receive protected oral sex for several minutes. Since then I have had immense guilt over it. I have had depression since I was a teenager and have…
Read MoreShouldn’t the man sleeping with me divorce his wife?
Question: Hello, I am a 32-year-old female. I have three children. I was married but divorced. I met a guy, and he was a very good friend. He introduced me back into church and has helped me through so many hard times. I used to actually think that he was perfect. He is a very…
Read MoreThe text doesn’t say that the men of Sodom wanted to force sex on the strangers
Question: Hello, I have a query about your website pertaining to what would be considered a misinterpreted passage of the Bible. Please explain why your interpretation of Genesis 19 implies they were intent on forcing a homosexual act on these two visitors when no Bible version actually says that. What it clearly says is that their…
Read MoreWhy do people seem happy living in sin?
Question: Dear brother, I write this to you ashamed, but I have to admit how I feel. I have been a Christian for many years now; however, I have struggled with sin in my life constantly. I feel as though it all stems from a rebellious attitude inside of me. It seems like the only…
Read MoreMy husband cheated a lot and I finally divorced him. What will be my punishment?
Question: Hi, I’m having a serious married problem: my husband cheats a lot. We have children together. He would sleep out as if he doing a good thing and does seem to care about how I feel. I took him to family court for counseling. He was upset because he thinks he’s a grown man…
Read MoreThank you for the explanation of Beulah and Hephzibah
Question: Thank you for the explanation of Beulah and Hephzibah. Now I know who my unborn child will be called after. Answer: You’re welcome.
Read MoreAm I following God because of my fear of hell and my selfish desire to be saved?
Question: Hello, I have been a Christian for most of my life. Recently my heart has fallen under heavy conviction (I think), and I feel as if I have not desired God above all else in my walk with Him. With this, I began to fear that I was not actually saved, and a deep…
Read MoreAre these concepts of the International Christian Church true?
Question: I wanted to get your input on something I will paste below and where the concepts can be found scripturally if at all. “The primary differences between the “first Movement” (ICOC) and the new SoldOut Movement is the unity among the SoldOut Movement Leaders on doctrines such as: 1) Salvation is promised only to…
Read MoreI greatly appreciate your outline on Elijah
Question: Brother, I just wanted to say thank you for posting your lessons online. I am a member of the church and am currently putting together a lesson on Elijah. I found your own study while searching for some outlines, and wanted to let you know that I greatly appreciate your work and found it quite…
Read MoreI got myself into a mess and I’m not sure how to handle it
Question: I’ve been married for less than ten years. She left me a few years ago for the guy that took her virginity. I never divorced her, hoping she would come back. I honestly didn’t know where she was or if she was alive or anything. She called my mom over a year later to…
Read MoreDoes not being hasty in your heart mean that thoughts can be vows?
Question: Hello again, I’ve read again about what’s considered vowing, and saw a sentence in Ecclesiastes 5:2: “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.” Does the heart part mean after all, that our thoughts about vowing are taken as vows after all? Thank…
Read MoreHow can a Christian serve God when the military rules are not conducive to serving God?
Question: My husband is a soldier in the military. Currently, he is on a 14-month deployment (technically, he’s overseas for 9 months and training during the other time). He is adamant about not reenlisting being that he has not been able to worship, nor will he be able to unless he finds fellow soldiers who…
Read MoreAre award ceremonies wrong?
Question: Good Evening Brother, I have been thinking about award ceremonies recently, and I’ve been having mixed feelings about them. One part of me is saying that they are good and are used to recognizing good hard-working people who don’t get enough appreciation as they should. But another part of me thinks that award ceremonies…
Read MoreIf you call Joseph Smith a liar, then you are calling the prophets of the Bible liars too
Question: Sir, I must protest your accusation that Joseph Smith was a liar. You have oversimplified the meaning of those passages of the Book of Mormon and others. Can you not see that during every conversation, the perspective of meaning changes? If you call Joseph Smith a liar, do you not also call several prophets…
Read MoreHow does the caveman fit in with the human race?
Question: How does the cave man fit in with the human race? I do not believe in the theory of evolution, but I have always wondered how the cave man fits with what the Holy Bible says. Answer: You need to remember that no one has actually observed cavemen in the past. Rather cavemen are…
Read MoreA Christian dying of an overdose does not send him to hell!
Question: A Christian dying of an overdose does not send him to hell. He was saved by faith in Christ not his works. All of us Christians sin. You sin, and I sin. If a drug user was never saved that is up to God. Answer: You are correct that the conditions of salvation are determined and set…
Read MoreYour site comes up often when I have a question
Question: Hello, I really have no questions because any question I have had, your site has answered. I just wanted to thank you for the work you are doing because, at any time, I can look up questions, put Church of Christ on Google, and your site is the one that comes up every time…
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