Does a Leader’s Appearance Matter Anymore?

by Max Dawson Daniel was a prophet of God who was among the first captives taken by Nebuchadnezzar from Jerusalem to Babylon in 605 BC. He, along with some other Hebrew captives, were highly spoken of (Daniel 1:4). They are described as “…young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all…

Read More

How Did I Get Here or Why Do I Think That?

by Hugh DeLong Maybe I am obsessed, at least a bit, with knowing why I think what I think. It is easy to picture that I came into this world as a blank Etch-N-Sketch, but a world where I controlled all the buttons. Yet, from the beginning, other people have been pushing my buttons! So…

Read More

Like All the Nations

by Tom Thornhill Jr. As you study the history of a nation (or anything for that matter) you will notice key decisions and actions that have a profound impact on shaping what it would become. America is certainly that way. There are key events and decisions that have made us what we are as a…

Read More

My Mom’s Legacy

by Jeremy Dehut I’ve been reflecting on Mom’s legacy. God has used her and Dad in incredible ways. Both of my parents came from broken homes where sin, abuse, alcohol, and other addiction was common. When mom was five her father died in a car accident he caused from drinking. My grandmother met her next…

Read More

One Last Verse

by Matthew W. Bassford Throughout my life, there was a series of verses that I identified as “my verse”. These were verses that, in some way, exemplified me or what I needed to become. I kept II Timothy 2:24-25 on my bathroom mirror for years because I needed the reminder. Later, I took great encouragement…

Read More

Is it bad to date a worldly-minded person?

Question: I hope this email finds you well! I have a question for you about relationships as a Christian. I’m a Christian and a part of a denomination. I believe that loving God and praising the Lord is universal, and universally there are things you should and shouldn’t do. I have a few questions. I…

Read More

Why did Paul limit his right to marriage to a believing wife?

Question: While studying the scripture with this guide on your website: Paul’s Restraint in Exercising His Liberty, I found this question: Why do you suppose Paul qualified his right to only a sister in Christ and not claim a more general right to marry? It’s a question I have asked too, and I would like to…

Read More

Not Worth Listening To

by Zeke Flores There are some things that are not worth wasting the time to listen to. For me, that would be rap or any new “pop” song. Or most political drivel. Or false religious teaching. Jesus said, “Take care what you listen to” (Mark 4:24). In Luke’s gospel, He says, “Take care how you listen”…

Read More

When God Reveals the Future

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/When-God-Reveals-the-Future.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 20:17-36   I.         Consider for the moment God’s words to Abram – Genesis 15:5-6             A.        At the time God made this promise, Abram had no children. So why tell him what the future would be like?             B.        Later, God also tells Abram about some of the struggles his children will endure…

Read More

Should we abstain from the Internet and TV?

Question: The congregation where I attend was discussing the book of Joshua the other day. We were talking about the conquest of the promised lands. While the Israelites conquered the land, they did not destroy all like they were told to do. Later these people that were not destroyed about every 20 years came back…

Read More

The Problem of People

by Doy Moyer While many turn away from God due to some perceived problem with God (e.g., allowing evil to exist), I have found that just as prominent is a problem that they have with those who call themselves Christians. Because Christians have been hypocritical, unloving, divisive, and abusive, some have walked away thinking that…

Read More

Bad Influence

by Zeke Flores Some 2400 years ago, God’s people were confronted with their sins yet again. When Ezra the priest heard about how Israel had broken God’s law by marrying foreign women, he tore his robes, prayed, and fasted. When faced with the gravity of disobedience to God, the people committed themselves to faithfulness. And…

Read More

Should Christians purchase dinners from denominational churches?

Question: Should Christians purchase dinners from denominational churches? Answer: Start by reading Should a Christian attend a university operated by a denomination? It covers many of the basic principles we need to discuss. The core question is: Does the purchase show support for the denomination and its teachings? For example, in a number of places,…

Read More

The Lunch Lady

by Matthew W. Bassford One of the best-attended funerals I’ve ever preached was for a school lunch lady. Her name was Marlene Norris. She was a faithful member of the church in Joliet, with which I was working at the time, along with her husband and three of her children. As is the custom in…

Read More

How Jesus Dealt with His Friends

by Steve Goff A true friend is not easily found. A trustworthy advocate who consistently manifests affection for us and who honestly seeks our best interest without ulterior motive is rare in this life. But one such friend available to all men is Jesus Christ. In temptation, we can find no greater comfort than from…

Read More

Should we let a denominational group borrow our baptistery?

Question: Hello, Mr. Hamilton, I hope this finds you well. Every morning on my way to work I listen to your sermons. I greatly appreciate the work you have put into your program, as I have learned so much listening to them over the last couple of years. I belong to the church of Christ.…

Read More

Keep sweeping!

by Gardner Hall About 1831, Sydney Smith told the story of an old woman by the name of Mrs. Partington who was observed outside her house by the sea trying desperately to hold back the encroaching ocean tide by sweeping at it with a broom. The story became a popular illustration of someone who is…

Read More

The Devil’s Inoculation

by Dee Bowman I was watching a ball game the other night. Between innings, a commercial came on in which a man was asked by his wife, “Do I look fat in this dress?” He replied, “Yes, you do.” The answer had a catastrophic effect. She bawled — and I don’t men she cried —…

Read More

Be an Example

by Jefferson David Tant Paul’s letters to young Timothy, his son in the gospel, and Titus, are filled with good thoughts concerning their work as those who spread and proclaim the gospel. Among Paul’s exhortation are two passages we want to consider in today’s article. “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather…

Read More

Because of the Sins of Jeroboam

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Because-of-the-Sins-of-Jeroboam.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 5:13-16   I.         Few credit the influence we have on the lives of those around us.             A.        The things we do and say impact the lives of those we come in contact.             B.        Sometimes our influence spreads to people we may not have seen. II.        The example of Jeroboam             A.        Following the death…

Read More

Playing on the Edge

by Zeke Flores Some 2400 years ago, God’s people were confronted with their sins. Again. When Ezra the priest heard about how Israel had broken God’s law by marrying foreign women, he tore his robes, prayed, and fasted. When faced with the gravity of disobedience to God, the people committed themselves to faithfulness. And it…

Read More

Twisted up by Evil People

by Matthew W. Bassford When we read the Bible, we learn about some people we simply have to feel sorry for. Hosea has to marry a prostitute. Jeremiah has to faithfully proclaim God’s message to a wicked nation that doesn’t want to hear it and will kill him for saying it. And so on. On…

Read More

Will my future partner determine if I’ll make eternity?

Question: Good evening, sir. Please, I have a question that has been bothering my mind. Will my future partner determine if I’ll make eternity? Answer: Who you choose to marry can reveal your attitude toward righteousness. If you knowingly marry a sinner, then you are knowingly placing temptation before you. After all, Paul warned, “Do…

Read More

How to Ruin Your Influence

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/How-to-Ruin-Your-Influence.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 14:34-35   I.         Your reputation, your ability to influence others is valuable             A.        Ecclesiastes 7:1 – Better than expensive perfume             B.        Proverbs 22:1 – Better than great wealth             C.        Christians are expected to influence the world – Matthew 5:13-16             D.        But if we ruin our ability to influence others, what good are we?…

Read More

Exactly Who is Influencing Who?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Exactly-Who-Is-Influencing-Who.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Chronicles 13:4-12   I.         Most Americans tend to have an independent streak.             A.        We would like to think that we think for ourselves.             B.        As Christians, we aim to influence those around to do good.             C.        But influence is not a one-way street. II.        Our thoughts are shaped by many things             A.        Parents                         1.         Seth…

Read More

Can a Christian participate in a community organization that supports sin?

Question: There are many diversity and inclusion groups becoming more popular. They do a lot of good in the community. Can a Christian participate through work with this organization, such as community trash clean-up, knowing they support LGBTQ? Thanks. Answer: The question you need to ask yourself is whether your participation tells others that you…

Read More

Tipping Point

by Wilson Adams What is the tipping point of the bowl of God’s wrath? I don’t know, but I know there is one. Sodom and Gomorrah had one. So did the immoral nations. So did His own people. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach…” (Proverbs 14:34). So, what is our hope? It’s…

Read More

Do You Remember?

by Floyd Chappelear Sentry Magazine, December 2002 Here is a quiz for you: Name the five wealthiest people in the world. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize. Name the last half dozen Academy…

Read More

The Home Place

by Jefferson David Tant The scene comes clearly to my mind’s eye even now. After crossing the mighty Mississippi at Vicksburg, we knew there were only 150 miles to the little town of Haynesville, Louisiana, and “the old home place.” “Home” is one of the sweet and dear words from the heart. This home was…

Read More

Has the Salt Lost Its Savor?

by Bubba Garner Biblical Insights, July 2007 Evil is everywhere. It is all around us. It’s in the workplace and in the schoolhouse. It’s in the neighborhoods and in the media. It’s even in the church and in the home. It is, indeed, a very clear and present danger. But ours is not the first generation to…

Read More

Obscenity and Profanity

by Marc Hinds I was ten years old in 1982 when I went and saw Steven Spielberg’s science-fiction blockbuster, E. T. It was the first time I remember hearing foul language. To make matters worse, it was a teenager in the movie who said it. While I was shocked, my parents were horrified. Over the…

Read More

Has the Media Desensitized Us to Sin?

by Jason Moore Biblical Insights, July 2007 Yes … and no. It is so that the media fills the airwaves with programs, movies, music, ads, games, and even news reports of sexual indulgence, sexual perversion, sexual innuendo, violence, irreverence, godlessness, shamelessness, and other deviant and damnable behaviors. It is true that every form of human…

Read More

The Value of Positive “Peer Pressure”

by Greg Gwin I wasn’t ready to do it yet. I really didn’t want to get started at it. But, my neighbor had already mowed his grass two times, and my yard was looking pretty shabby. I figured if he mowed a third time before I mowed the first time, it would really make me look bad. So, even…

Read More

I Will Bless the Lord at All Times

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/I-Will-Bless-the-Lord-at-All-Times.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 34   I.         We usually think about the victories of David and see his life through that lens             A.        He defeated Goliath             B.        He won amazing battles over the Philistines             C.        He became king over all of Israel             D.        But we forget how difficult David’s life was reaching that point II.        The situation             A.        King…

Read More

What Is Your Legacy?

by Jefferson David Tant An old saying says there are only two things that are certain — death and taxes. And there is much truth in that. 😊 Something in today’s paper got my mind thinking about one of those certainties —death. And what about death? The word “legacy” came to mind, so I looked…

Read More

The Battlefield: Your Family

by Mark Broyles Biblical Insights, July 2007 “And there arose another generation after them, who did not know the LORD, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10). How could that happen? How could Satan get such a position of strength among God’s people in such a short time? The nation…

Read More

TV and Religion

by Floyd Chappelear Stand, October 1993 I would like to add some thoughts concerning the way television networks treat the subject of religion. Numerous surveys have shown that “at best” the media treats religion as if it were an unimportant, insignificant part of people’s lives in spite of the fact that when surveyed the majority…

Read More