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What if a ride sharing program is used to commit a crime?
Question: My question is: Should I continue to be friends with someone who takes someone to the grocery store to steal? My friend works as a ride-sharing driver (Uber, Lyft, etc.). He was recently baptized, but he continues to take people to stores, knowing that they are stealing from the stores. He says he has…
Read MoreIs it wrong to attend a different church after being baptized?
Question: Greetings Brother, I want to know if it’s wrong, once we’re baptized, to worship at a church other than a Church of Christ. Answer: I’m puzzled. If you were baptized at a church of Christ because you realized you need to obey the Lord and you realized the church taught the truth regarding baptism,…
Read MoreWhat do you know about the Prophecy of the Popes?
Question: Do you know about the prophecy of the popes? I don’t agree with the approach the Catholics use because they’ve strayed far from the biblical teaching that the New Testament has for us. There has been considerable uproar about this since the passing of Pope Francis. People seem to think that this pope’s passing…
Read MoreIt is unfair that I can’t marry again
Question: Dear Sir: Along with greeting you, I would appreciate an answer to my following question from a biblical perspective. My first marriage lasted six years, and despite having certain doubts before getting married, I chose to do so to avoid fornication and because I wanted to start my own family. The truth is, I…
Read More“Fulfill” doesn’t imply ended
Question: “Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matthew 5:17-18). You…
Read MoreIs it proper to take pleasure in the death of the wicked?
Question: Does the city in Proverbs 11:10 take pleasure in the death of the wicked? Answer: “When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting” (Proverbs 11:10). Everyone is happy when things go well with the righteous because the righteous is generous with his blessings…
Read MoreThe Original Recycler
by David Gibson Recycling is in vogue, but our generation can’t take credit for it. God is the Original Recycler. God uses evaporation and condensation to turn filthy water into fresh water. He created the decay process, utilizing microbes and vultures to manage the carrion. God made our bodies fully biodegradable. Some of us, I’m…
Read MoreAre preachers prophets?
Question: Good afternoon. My family and I are members of the Church of Christ, and I have been reading your articles on your church website for several years now, learning a great deal. If you don’t mind responding to this email, I would greatly appreciate it. Recently, the preacher at our church mentioned that he…
Read MoreWhy didn’t Jesus know there were no figs on the tree?
Question: When our Lord cursed the fig tree, did He know that there was no fruit on it, or was knowledge withheld temporarily? Answer: The account is found in Matthew 21:18-19 and Mark 11:12-14. Early in the morning, Jesus left Bethany for Jerusalem. Seeing a leafy fig tree beside the road and being hungry, Jesus…
Read MoreHow do I deal with traditional beliefs and practices?
Dear Jeffrey I have begun a journey where I truly desire to know God for myself, not just through what others have taught me, but through personal revelation and understanding. However, I am currently wrestling with some spiritual issues that I hope you can help me gain clarity on, especially as they relate to certain…
Read MoreIf I don’t make peace with someone, will this be judged on Judgment Day?
Question: The passage that I’m concerned about is Matthew 5:25-26. Is this saying that if I don’t make peace with someone I have hurt, the situation will be judged in court on judgment day? I am trying my best to clarify what this passage means for me. I know we are all saved by grace,…
Read MoreIt is hard to find a Christian to date
Question: To Whom It May Concern, I am a 27-year-old male, never married, and have no children. I’m single and am a member of a local church of Christ. My question is regarding relationships. There are no opportunities for me to date where I am a member. I want to wait on the Lord patiently…
Read MoreIs it right to dismiss a preacher because he married a non-Christian?
Question: Hello, First, thank you for all you do to answer these difficult questions. They have helped me a lot on my Christian journey. My question concerns something that happened very recently at my congregation; our youth group had two ministers helping and supporting all the activities (spiritual and recreational), and they were doing a…
Read MoreWhat if I hid the fact that I’m a Christian?
Question: Good day, Minister, I am a fellow member of the church of Christ. I’m hoping you can provide me with some insight: If I said that I wouldn’t disclose that I was a Christian and also encouraged my mom not to disclose that she is a Christian as well, and others heard it, would…
Read MoreDo miracles still happen?
Question: Do miracles, such as healing, speaking in tongues, etc., still happen? I have seen videos on YouTube about how a very crippled woman was healed (her testimony), and another video of how a non-speaking boy was also healed and still speaks. Answer: Consider whether the evidence given would stand up in a court. Do…
Read MoreWhy was the bread offered at Pentecost to be made with leaven?
Question: Hi Jeffrey, “You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the LORD” (Leviticus 23:17 NKJV) Here, God says the leaven is needed when Jews were baking the loaves of bread sacrificed…
Read MoreIn Matthew 26:29, what does “new” refer to?
Question: Hi Jeffrey, In “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29 NKJV), what’s the “new”? And what is “that day”? How can we drink the new cup with…
Read MoreWhich New Testament translation should I read?
Question: Good morning. I wish to ask you which New Testament to read: one written by a Catholic publisher or one written by a Protestant publisher? Thank you very much. Greetings from Argentina. Answer: It isn’t as much a matter of who printed the pages as it is the accuracy of the translation. The Roman…
Read MoreIt’s good to know we are not alone
Question: Hello, I was delighted to read your comments on Is it a sin to divorce a non-believer? The current liberal trend in the church, led by Christ, to allow divorce and remarriage, is a disgrace and is costing the church dearly. One preacher asked me if a divorced person was not allowed to be happy!…
Read MoreWhere is God’s love, mercy, and compassion if baptism is necessary for salvation?
Question: My question concerns the role of baptism and whether it is necessary for salvation. I have heard explanations of how it is necessary to get baptized to be saved, yet they both make sense and don’t make sense to me. I have heard some people from the Church of Christ preach about water baptism…
Read MoreIs it a sin to divorce a non-believer?
Question: Hello! I have read much on your webpage about divorce, and I appreciate all the hard work you put into answering these questions. I pray God continues to give us all wisdom through His word. In I Corinthians 7, we have the situation where a believer departs from another believer. We see a situation…
Read MoreFaith in . . . Faith?
by Lance Cordle Recently, I reached into a closet to get some trash bags. I was in a hurry, so I did not bother to turn on enough light to see the bags. I remembered that I had placed them on the top shelf of the closet, so I reached upward for them. To my…
Read MoreCan names be removed from the Book of Life?
Question: Hi! Google directed me to your website, and I noticed an error. In “What are the books opened in Revelation 20:12?” you said, “Names written in the book of life can be removed (Revelation 3:5).” It should say names cannot be removed. Just thought I’d bring it to your attention so others who don’t know…
Read MoreIs it immodest for a man to wear a tight t-shirt?
Question: Would it be immodest for a Christian man to wear a t-shirt that shows his biceps or is tight-fitting so that the muscles can be seen? I believe the kind of attention a man wants to draw to himself will reveal where his heart is, so perhaps I’ve already answered my question. Answer: The…
Read MoreIs it wrong to bow to a crucifix?
Question: I attend a Catholic school, and because of that, I was posted to a Catholic hospital. It’s mandatory to attend mass on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The priest asked me to take their reading on Friday. I tried to avoid it but all efforts proved abortive though I stood on one ground; that I…
Read MoreHow could Peter be in Rome?
Question: I read from many early Church fathers that Peter was in Rome and preached in Rome. Still, in Galatians 2:7-9 at the Jerusalem Council, the agreement is made that Peter would only go to the Jews, not the Gentiles, so Peter would be breaking that agreement if he went to Rome and preached there.…
Read MoreI miss the peace I got from astrology
Question: Good day! I wonder about your insight into what the Bible says about spiritual practices. Before I was a Christian, I was interested in many things, such as astrology, following moon cycles, manifestation, chakra healing, etc. I don’t practice these things anymore, but ever since I stopped, I have had no peace and feel…
Read MoreMy wife deprives me from sex
Question: Hi Minister, I have read many of your responses to challenging questions. Please help me. I have been married for more than ten years. My wife has deprived me of sex to the point that the rejection felt so bad that I started looking for products I can use to get rid of my…
Read MoreShould we hate Satan?
Question: Should we hate Satan? To me, it sure seems like we should hate the devil because he is the embodiment of sin (I John 3:8). Satan is lost; he’s never coming over to God’s side. It just conflicts with our desire to love our enemies as we’re told to do. Answer: “The fear of…
Read MoreWhy didn’t Paul heal Trophimus or Epaphroditus?
Question: Good day, sir, May Almighty God continue to bless and strengthen you. My question is: If the Apostle Paul still had the power to heal, why would he leave Trophimus sick, while Epaphroditus was also sick to the point of death in Philippians 2:27, and encouraged Timothy to use a little wine for his…
Read MoreWhy am I forced to be single?
Question: I am 43 male Christian. I have never been married, and I am a virgin. I never chose to be single or celibate. I could never gain the interest of the opposite sex, so I have been forced to be celibate. Does being forced to be celibate and not being able to get a…
Read MoreWere the apostles in full agreement on all doctrine?
Question: Were the apostles in full agreement on all doctrines? Answer: “Doctrine” means teachings. Jesus told his apostles, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to…
Read MoreI have a fear that I was baptized incorrectly
Question: Hi there, I know you’ve probably answered many questions like mine, but I’m just struggling with a lack of peace. I ache for peace, and I am praying for help. I doubt my baptism, and I just wanted to seek guidance. I do struggle with moral OCD, and I do think it’s my overthinking,…
Read MoreWhat would you advise about my relationship with an older woman?
Question: I’ll tell you everything I can remember. My first relationship started when I was 18 years old. I didn’t get married and stayed with her for two years until it all ended. It ended because I wanted out and threw away a relationship that was working out well. I blamed myself for a long…
Read MoreIs a gathering in a care facility a church gathering?
Question: I am autistic and live in a facility. I can’t drive from here to any church. My sister could bring me, but she is not very consistent. I can’t rely on her early Sunday mornings. However, the facility I am at has an hour-long gathering of believers on Monday evenings. They sing a hymn,…
Read MoreDo you need to be baptized again after falling away and returning?
Question: I trusted Christ as my Savior when I was a teenager, but I wasn’t baptized. Then I read Mark 16 and was scared, so I got baptized at a Pentecostal Church. However, they taught that baptism didn’t save, and I wasn’t sure if it did when I was baptized. A couple of years ago,…
Read MoreJust another thank you for a great website
Question: Hello, Just another thank you for your great website. I’ve been reading for quite a while about The Development of the New Testament Text by Jim Snapp, 2nd. Wow, my head hurts. I’m not sure I agree with the first few paragraphs, but it is a lot for an old man to assimilate. Thanks…
Read MoreHow do you deal with a spouse who isn’t living a godly life?
Question: How does a married person obey I Corinthians 5:9-11 in regards to avoiding eating or associating with such a person when the person he is married to claims to have accepted Christ as her Savior but repeatedly commits physical, emotional, and online adultery? What do you do when you discover that she was married…
Read MoreGod Appeared in the Flesh
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/God-Appeared-in-the-Flesh.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Timothy 3:14-16 I. Before the first century ended, several varieties of false teachings arose. A. One set has been referred to as the gnostics. The name derives from the Greek word for “knowledge.” – I Timothy 6:20-21 B. These were a diverse group, but they were tied by a belief…
Read MoreCan someone with Down Syndrome lead a prayer?
Question: Can or should a person with severe Down Syndrome lead a prayer? Answer: Leading a prayer requires the ability to communicate one’s thoughts to others and to God. People with Down Syndrome understand language well but are often delayed in developing the skills to express themselves verbally. “Delayed” is a keyword here. Communications skills…
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