Did Paul bring alms to all Jews or just Christians?

July 27, 2022

Question: Hello Jeffrey, The Apostle Paul in Acts 24:17 shows that he brought alms, supplied by churches, to his nation. Alms would be mercy benevolence to the poor of that region. The New Testament Greek word for “nation” in this passage is ethnos. Thayer defines this word as a multitude associated or living together. Louw & Nida’s Greek Lexicon…

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Adding to the Word of God?

March 3, 2022

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)…

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May a church receive interest on the money it has deposited at a bank?

February 21, 2022

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…

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What should happen to funds when a congregation closes?

August 28, 2021

Question: What should happen to funds when a congregation closes? Answer: It should be remembered that the funds that a congregation has belong to God and not the members of a congregation. This is implied when Ananias was told that any money he had was his to do with as he desired, but once it…

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How far can a church go in assisting a congregation in a disaster area?

July 23, 2021

Question: How far can a congregation go to help another congregation in need? For example several states away a congregation’s building gets destroyed by a hurricane along with several members homes. Because of the devastation, they have no access to building supply stores and the like. They are not just in need of monetary assistance…

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Paying Preachers

July 19, 2021

by Matthew W. Bassford Never does anyone argue harder for something they won’t actually take than Paul does in I Corinthians 9:3-14. Through much of his ministry, especially his time with the church in Corinth, Paul refused financial support from the church with which he was working. It may be that as per Romans 7:7-8,…

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Is it proper for a church to give gifts?

January 9, 2021

Question: Please, I would like to ask the following questions: Is it scriptural for the church to organize a send-forth program for its outgoing preacher, elder, or faithful member who is relocating? The program typically involves citation, extolling of virtues, prayers, and presentation of gifts purchased by both the church and individual brethren. Is it…

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A Foolish Consistency

January 9, 2020

by Ken Green When I first began preaching, I was enamored by religious debates. They were declining in popularity, but there were still a few taking place. They are now extremely rare. Some debates were transcribed and published and I read all of them that I could find. I eventually participated in a number of…

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A Friendly Letter on Benevolence

July 23, 2019

  by Irven Lee (1914-1991) April 1, 1958 A good friend that I have known and appreciated a long time sent a letter of inquiry which prompted this answer. Since so many are wondering about the same problems, I am making a few copies of the letter [that I wrote in response] with the hope…

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