Honor the King

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/Honor-the-King-1.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Peter 2:13-17   I.         I Peter 2:17 – Honor the King             A.        It is getting hard to avoid the problems this country has with its leaders             B.        Everyone knows about the sins commit by some of our recent presidents and each has his own opinion on the matter             C.        But knowing that…

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Earthly Politics Versus the Almighty

by Terry Wane Benton “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever” (Revelation 4:9). In John’s vision “up here” he sees the living creatures giving honor, glory, and thanks to God on the throne, and he knows that God is eternal,…

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May a Christian Serve in Government?

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 13:1-7   I.         I was recently asked if a Christian may serve in the government, particularly in jobs of a punitive nature, such as the police or the armed services.             A.        There are several denominations which hold pacifist views.                         1.         Some, such as Quakers, refuse to serve in any capacity where killing…

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God and 1984

by Orlando Gonzalez Several days ago, I had gotten around to finishing George Orwell’s (pseudonym of Eric Arthur Blair) magnum opus, 1984. Despite being written about 73 years ago, I can certainly see that it still stands the test of time as one of the most recognizable and profound novels of the 20th and 21st…

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Can Christians be involved in government?

Question: Dear sir, I trust this email finds you well. I’d like to ask a question. I’ve been trying to learn from the biblical point of view if a Christian can participate in politics. Do we have brothers and sisters in the faith who are actively participating in politics? Thanks, sir. Answer: The styles of…

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Will breaking government laws keep us out of heaven?

Question: No doubt, a Christian realizes the seriousness of sin. It’s ugly. What do you think about everyday things we get into like speeding, even a mile over, texting while drivings, and not wearing a seatbelt? Do you think these are things that would keep us out of heaven?   Answer: I don’t sit in…

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Should we mask or not?

Question: I am interested in your opinion concerning local mask mandates. If the county government (health department) issues a mask mandate requiring individuals over age 5 to wear masks in public buildings or public transportation but the mandate does not require businesses to enforce the mandate, it is simply left to the individual to abide…

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Persecution in Europe

Source: Joy Pullman, “In Case With Global Implications, Finland Puts Christians On Trial For Their Faith,” The Federalist, 23 November 2021. “Rasanen’s alleged crimes in a country that claims to guarantee freedom of speech and religion include tweeting a picture of a Bible verse. Potential penalties if they are convicted include fines and up to two years…

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Progressive Christians

Source: Trevin Wax, “3 Surprises from New Research on ‘Progressive’ and ‘Conservative’ Christians,” The Gospel Coalition, 9 November 2021. “In defining conservative and progressive Christians, the authors use theological rather than political criteria. Individuals who believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and say Jesus is the only path to salvation are conservative Christians.…

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Masks, Vaccines, and the Bible

by Matthew W. Bassford The following restates the biblical principles that should govern our speech and behavior when it comes to masks, vaccines, and discussion of the same. In areas where we are given liberty by man and God, we must respect the liberty of others. We must not judge or show contempt toward those…

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What if I broke a civil law by not acting?

Question: Am I in continual sin if I broke a law that required me to report a crime or do something? What if I didn’t act or say or do anything as required by the law? It was years ago and I try to be a better person today. I admit sometimes I have black…

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The Separation of Church and State

by Andy Sochor Copyright: © 2015 Lee Edwin Coursey, used with permission There is an ongoing debate in our society about the “separation of church and state.” Though the phrase is not used in any of this country’s founding documents, many understand it to be a fundamental principle upon which this nation was built. However,…

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What If It Became a Crime to Assemble?

by Terry Wane Benton In China, it is reported that if you do not renounce your faith in Jesus you will be tortured till you do. If that is so, I wonder how many of us would renounce Christ? In parts of Nigeria, you will be killed for believing in Jesus. In some states here,…

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I lied about my taxes. What should I do?

Question: About 3 years ago I received a tax credit that I shouldn’t have. I was claiming kids that I was legally allowed to claim but received a childcare credit for them also. Their mom paid the childcare fees and the daycare owner admitted to me that she altered the amount paid to be higher.…

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The Law of Contradiction

by Ken Green Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, delivered a speech on Nov. 17, 2020, which was digested in “Imprimis,” a publication of the school. It is titled, “Orwell’s 1984 and Today.” He says, “I taught a course this fall semester on totalitarian novels. We read four of them: George Orwell’s 1984, Arthur…

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United States’ Founding Fathers on God and Religion

Source: Original Intent by David Barton “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” — John Adams “The great pillars of all government and of social life … [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders…

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Your recent article on patriotism is a necessary reminder

Question: Your recent article on patriotism is a necessary reminder. We stray a lot without noticing it. I found much value in that article. I’m downloading it for keeps. More lessons relevant to periods like this (around the world) are very helpful. Thanks. Answer: I’m glad you found it useful. This one was more happenchance…

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Religion and Government: Patriotism

by Ken Green Patriotism is defined as “Love for or devotion to one’s country.” Some consider patriotism a form of idolatry. Others wrap the cross in the stars and stripes and make little or no distinction between them. They associate loyalty to their nation with loyalty to God. Many churches display the American flag alongside…

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Politics and Religion

by Rodger Trimm Sentry Magazine, September 2001 “Talk about anything but politics and religion” has proven to be wise instructions for many social gatherings. With some trepidation, I will ignore that advice for this article. I’m indebted to two friends, one old and one new, for expanding the perspective of a southern, white, conservative American.…

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Am I wrong not to report an incident?

Question: I am a mandated reporter and a former co-worker told me of an instance where she was kicked in the stomach while pregnant. She told me that she hit the patient back. The thing is that being a mandated reporter my opinion and logic don’t matter. However, she just told me a few days…

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Why is mask-wearing an issue?

Question: Hi Jeff, Your website is so beneficial and I appreciate very much the Biblical-backed answers to the questions that you answer and all of the other resources on your website. That being said, your recent answer to the person asking if masks must be worn in services was disappointing.   I don’t understand the view…

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Must masks be worn to services?

Question: Dear Brother Jeffrey, Where I live mask-wearing is mandatory in public spaces, schools, etc. The men of the church in which I am a member have decided it’s optional to wear masks to worship and Bible classes. There are, of course, many of us who think this is a lawbreaking activity and it is dividing…

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How do you submit to a corrupt government?

Question: Hello, I appreciate your Biblically sound responses. As I observe the turmoil our nation is experiencing right now my thoughts are continually on the following topics: submitting to government authority even though we may not like what is happening with all the corruption and dishonesty because God has established governments for a reason and…

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Is it right to have a board represent all the churches in a country?

Question: Hi Jeff, How do you keep the government from being involved in the affairs of the church in the United States? Over here in Nigeria, the government directed that all churches be registered with a name in other for them to monitor the number of churches in the country. Each church must have a…

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Christians Regardless

by Doy Moyer Christians ought to see themselves as living out the story of Jesus. Since He suffered, we should be willing to suffer. As He gave Himself for others, we ought to be willing to give ourselves for others. As He submitted, so ought we to submit. As He loved, so should we love.…

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Are You Ready for What God May Be Sending?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Are-You-Ready-for-What-God-May-Be-Sending.mp3 by Raymond Warfel There was mention of the President possibly having received treatment that involved fetal cells. This was checked after the sermon was presented and found to be not true, for which we are thankful. See Update: Here’s what is known about Trump’s COVID-19 treatment.

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How will the current election affect Christianity?

Question: How does the U.S election affect Christianity? Too many Christians here say Trump’s victory is mandatory or else the New World Order will take over the world and their vaccines, for example, will be used to destroy man. Some say Trump’s declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel is fulfilling the scripture. Which scripture? That…

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Voting and the Lesser of Two Evils

by Frank Walton In politics, one will never find the perfect candidate among flawed humanity. So then, one will often vote for the least objectional candidate with whom they agree the most. Hence, when people vote for the least objectionable candidate, they say, “This choice is the lesser of two evils.” To which someone else…

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Should a Christian Vote?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Should-a-Christian-Vote.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 5:13-16   I.         David Lipscomb was a famous preacher from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s             A.        He wasn’t an apostle. He wasn’t inspired. But he was a knowledgeable man, and his words carried a lot of weight.             B.        He taught that it was a sin for a Christian to vote…

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The Danger of Assuming God Is on “Our” Side

by Doy Moyer If we believe that God rules in the kingdoms of men, we cannot stop believing it when things don’t go the way we think they should. We often assume God is on “our” side in a particular cultural, political, or even military conflict. If we believe in God, seek to follow His…

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Can singing be done silently?

Question: Dear brother Jeffrey, Here in Singapore, due to COVID-19, we have not been able to assemble for worship on Sunday since April this year, and members could log in through Zoom to worship “virtually”. The government has allowed worship for a maximum of 50 members per congregation since July but members must adhere to…

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It’s Not Politics

by Irvin Himmel Moral statements and positions will, necessarily, impact political issues. This is not because morality is inherently political, but because the government has the task of recognizing the difference between good and evil, so moral issues will have to be dealt with (Rom 13:3-4). This means that, contrary to what is so often…

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Is it wrong to download software already purchased by another person?

Question: Hi minister, Is downloading a paid software without paying for it a sin? Note that no hacking or cracking is involved on the side of the downloader.  It is a case of seeing it online and downloading (copying) it. The owner still has a copy. Is it good to buy a second-hand device with cracked…

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To Affect Change

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/To-Affect-Change.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Peter 2:13-17   I.         Peter talked about our relationship to the government – I Peter 2:13-17             A.        Submission to the government is an involuntary action. Most of us do not have opportunities to chose which government we wish to live under. Even with choice, we will always be under some…

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Is the first day of the week Monday in some countries?

Question: I am confused over the first day of the week. Why is Sunday is the first day of the week in America but it is Monday in the UK? Does that make Monday a day of worship there? Answer: The world has always had multiple calendars in use. The one used in the United…

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What to Do When the Country Is Falling Apart?

  by Gardner Hall The prophet Habakkuk was overwhelmed with anxiety about two things: The injustice in his country (Habakkuk 1:1-4) and the resulting destruction at the hands of the Babylonians (Habakkuk 1:5-2:1). However, when the prophet turned to the Lord in prayer, his confidence grew to the point that he could rejoice in the…

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Just a Drop in a Bucket

by Doy Moyer I find it interesting that in the midst of a passage intended to provide comfort for God’s people, and in declaring God’s greatness, we find this (Isaiah 40:15, 17, 23): “Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales…” “All the nations…

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Black Lives Matter is no different than the Democrats or Republicans

Question: Hello Brother, First I like to start off by saying this website has been a tremendous help with my Christian walk. I am a member of the church, and I stumbled across this website roughly five years ago. I check your topics pretty much each week, and I agree with the majority of your…

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Should Christians apply for unemployment or look for another job?

Question: Dear Sir, Should a Christian apply for unemployment if they are laid off from a job or just look for another job? Answer: Why is this an either-or question? Unemployment is offered so that a person can pay their bills while looking for another job. The purpose of unemployment insurance “is not to guarantee particular…

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