Posts Tagged ‘morality’
How can I tell if I am right or wrong?
Question: How would I be able to judge if what I am doing is right or wrong? There are some things that are not in the Bible, or let us say there are things that the Bible does not fully cover as a topic. A good example can be pornography. Although the Bible doesn’t say…
Read MoreHow can non-Christians be nice people without the Spirit?
Question: I am studying the fruits of the Spirit. In fact, I am scheduled to give a talk on it this Sunday. I’m confused about something. We all know people who are not Christians and are nice people. Not the nasty, evil person that Paul talks about before going into the fruits of the Spirit. …
Read MoreHow do we determine who is right and who is wrong when everyone claims to take his stand from the Bible?
Question: How do we determine who is right and who is wrong when everyone claims to take his stand from the Bible? For example, what is the appropriate time for holy communion? Some believe it is evening while some believe it could be any time. Does the timing determine our eternal destiny? Also, can I…
Read MoreThe Immorality of Atheism
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ImmoralityOfAtheism.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 1:28-32 I. Atheism is a religion of destruction A. Its adherents try to destroy the belief system of any contrary belief system 1. It demands proof from others while believing that giving no proof of its own is somehow “proof” 2. As an example, “Prove there is a God” is never…
Read MoreWhy Did God Have Children Killed?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WhyDidGodHaveChildrenKilled.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: I Samuel 15:1-9 I. Some questions, by their very nature are difficult topics to take up. The things discussed make us queasy. A. Yet, you will find that those opposed to Christianity will often attack with these same topics for the very reason that they know it makes you uncomfortable.…
Read MoreThe Sacrifice of Isaac
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/SacrificeOfIssac.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Genesis 22:1-14 I. There are stories that cause some concern because they involve the concept of sacrificing a human being to God. A. They cause concern because the Bible is very clear about God’s opinion on human sacrifices. B. The slaying of humans invokes a death sentence – Genesis 9:5 C. False…
Read MoreWhy did God order the death of children?
Question: The Bible identifies, describes, and labels God in many ways. God is love, He is the redeemer, the savior, the beginning, the all-knowing, etc. God is also perfect and the Bible also says that God is a Judge, a righteous Judge above all. A righteous Judge administers the most fair and the most just methods…
Read MoreMusic, Movies, and Maturity
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/MusicMoviesAndMaturity.mp3 by PJ Anderson
Read MoreIf you repented of past sexual sins, is it wrong to wear a purity ring?
Question: If you have had “relations” with someone, but have asked forgiveness and seen the errors of your ways and want to rededicate yourself to God, would it be considered wrong to wear a purity ring or something along those lines? Answer: If you are doing so to make it appear that you are something…
Read MoreWhat if the used software I bought doesn’t allow for resale? What should I do?
Question: Hi. This may seem like an odd question. In the past, I have bought used computer games, sold computer games, and installed computer games on my computer. My brother bought and games that were my stepdad’s. According to the terms of agreement in many computer software, you do not own the software and are…
Read MoreAre all violent video games wrong?
Question: A while back we discussed video games and movies, and I mentioned that my husband is an avid video game player. Anyway, I know the violence is wrong in games, but what if the characters that you are fighting in a game look more like animals or impossible-looking monsters, then is it still bad? It’s…
Read MoreIs it wrong to sell or prescribe emergency contraceptives?
Question: I desire to be a pharmacist and being that I already work for a pharmacy as a pharmacy technician, I supply the medical stations with medications. I was wondering what your thoughts were in regards to supplying the medication Plan B that helps to prevent pregnancy from occurring. Am I in the wrong by…
Read MoreEmphasizing the Physical
Text: Matthew 12:1-14 I. Schools have been placed in tough positions in the recent years A. They are told to keep religion out of schools. Almost every direct form of discipline has been forbidden to them. 1. The natural result is the steady decline in the moral standards of their students. 2. In response the community demands the…
Read MoreWhat sins under the Old Testament remain as sins today?
Question: Hi there. I really like your work and biblical analysis. I read your answer on “Which scriptures are applicable today?” and I have some questions to ask. I am currently dealing with which sins are applicable to life today. I have to, of course. check myself that I am not motivated to discard these…
Read MoreShould the poor be helped if it makes our life harder?
Question: I have a penchant for helping the poor. But I came across an article titled “Lifeboat Ethics: the Case Against Helping the Poor” and it was really interesting. Here is an excerpt: “If we divide the world crudely into rich nations and poor nations, two thirds of them are desperately poor, and only one…
Read MoreThey Think It Strange
by Terry W. Benton For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles– when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking…
Read MoreIf He is Wrong, What Does the Christian Miss?
by Ancil Jenkins Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash Doubt is a subtle demon. It creeps in at times of distress, pain, and fear. Doubting is not sinful; failing to act on doubts is. Honesty demands an examination and a resolution of doubts. As one examines doubts, his heart is comforted. The truth will silence doubts or will…
Read MoreIs it wrong to deny service to someone who is obviously in sin?
Question: I want to start a small photography business but I’m worried about ‘clients’. What if a homosexual couple wants me to photograph a ‘couple’s shoot’ for them? I believe that I would have to decline. However, a photographer in New Mexico was sued for discrimination against a lesbian couple. They wanted the photographer to…
Read MoreWhy aren’t we teaching about issues regarding how to stay saved — moral issues like sex, drugs, alcohol, etc.?
Question: I have been a member for a little while now and I have fallen short as many others. But my question is: Why is it that we, as members of the churches of Christ, always talk about what will get you saved but not keep you saved? I have problems with sex outside of…
Read MoreIf you have evidence that your husband committed murder, should you tell the police?
Question: I have a friend who married a guy while he was in jail. She says she has evidence that her husband tried to murder a guy. He pleaded innocent, but the jury thought he was guilty. He still keeps his innocent plea. He is abusive toward his wife –verbally, mentally, etc. — gets angry,…
Read MoreIs it wrong to make a decision about what is right or wrong based on what you think a cartoon character would do?
Question: Is it sinful to base your life on a cartoon? Let’s say you’re being tempted, but to help you get past your temptation you think about what a hero on a show would do. Would that be sinful? Answer: A lot would depend on the cartoon I would think. Behind every cartoon is a…
Read MoreDo you think a movie with a good storyline but some immorality scattered in should be watched?
Question: I read your comment on a question about movies and video games. I believe you even referred to watching the Lord of the Rings movies if I’m not mistaken. I totally agree that there are movies that Christians should not watch. What do you think of movies, though, that have a very good story or…
Read MoreWhat are your recommendations for teaching teens about the dangers of sensuous literature?
Question: I’m currently trying to go through a series of lessons with the church’s youth over media and what kinds a Christian should let into their life. I’m currently using a focus on Ephesians and Colossians regarding verses that tell us to “put away” sinful things from ourselves. Specifically, the first will be over music…
Read MoreWhy were the Israelites not to use diverse weights?
Question: In Proverbs 20:10 it reads, “Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.” This is also stated in Proverbs 20:23 with a reference to Deuteronomy 25:13 which reads, “Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.” I know that “divers” means many…
Read MorePeer Pressure
by Bob Waldron via The Bulletin of the Church of Christ at New Georgia, February 24, 2008 Much of God’s covenant with Israel of old dealt with human relations. Various and sundry laws pointed out how the Jew was to conduct himself among his peers. One of these admonitions was, “Thou shalt not follow a…
Read MoreObscene Movies and TV Programs
by Gary Henry via, Lost River Bulletin, Vol. 58, No. 3, Aug. 2008. Few things frighten me any more than the passing comments I hear brothers and sisters in the Lord make about movies and TV programs they’ve permitted themselves and their children to see. Just when I believe there may be a deepening spirituality…
Read MoreExpect More Out of Your Kids
by Matthew Allen Earlier this week, I participated in a discussion concerning alcohol and advertising. The debate was over whether alcohol companies target youth in their advertising. There is very strong evidence to suggest that the alcohol companies do in fact target adolescent audiences even though such persons are under the legal age to consume alcohol.…
Read MoreCan a Christian be involved in distributing contraceptives if it will reduce the number of abortions?
Question: I am a hardcore Christian and live my life for God. I try to do the right thing even if that means suffering for it. I ended up getting a job where I am the “Health and Wellness Coordinator” at a college. I felt at peace and that God provided it for. It has…
Read MoreBecause It Is Right
by Jim R. Everett Reward incentive motivation permeates our society. People respond to rewards just like little puppies do. Some parents think only in terms of rewarding their children, and, they even reward them for being bad. When a parent says to a little child, “If you will quit throwing a temper tantrum, we will…
Read MoreI’m teaching a group of 13-17 year girls and would like to address decision making, relationships, and sex. Do you have any suggestions?
Question: Hey! I’ve been put in charge of taking the girls’ night at a youth group and I am doing it on decision making, relationships, sex, etc. I would love it if you could give me some tips on what to say to them about it. Their ages are between 13 and 17. I was…
Read MoreWickedness Before Our Eyes
by Wayne S. Walker “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me” (Psalm 101:3). There is an old warning, “What you see is what you get.” We might also say that in a sense, “What you see is what you…
Read MoreIs watching movies or making jokes about sinful things really that bad?
Question: What about people who like action movies and stuff like that, or producers who make violent movies. I mean, you can like action movies but that does not mean that you support violence. There is a difference between making a joke about something and claiming that you actually would do it. You can live…
Read MoreDoes the concept of right and wrong come from the nature of God?
Question: From past study, I have come to the conclusion that that morality, right and wrong, are bound up in the nature of God himself. Things are not right or wrong “just because God said so,” – that is, God does not arbitrarily declare a thing to be wrong that would otherwise be permissible, nor…
Read MoreWholesome Adultery?
by Sherman Wilson In the Saturday, June 24, 1995 issue of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, our local daily newspaper, the entertainment section contained a capsule review of the movies currently showing in our city. I quote from the review of The Bridges of Madison County: “From Clint Eastwood comes a wholesome romance about adultery.” Now I ask,…
Read MoreWhat makes some fantasy stories wrong?
Question: Hi! I asked in the past if imagining ideas for a story was OK, and you said that you couldn’t see anything biblically wrong with it. But I feel like I need some details. For example, I heard of some Christians (not that I judge their opinions or anything) saying that they should ban…
Read MoreWhat Goes Around …
David Thurman via Gospel Minutes, Vol. 56, No. 8, Feb. 23, 2007 While preparing for a cookout on July 3, 2006, a Delaware man decided to use gunpowder rather than charcoal lighter fluid to get the coals glowing in his grill. This “unorthodox” fire preparation method blew up on him, and he suffered burns on…
Read MoreHow should a Christian handle violent or adult content video games?
Question: What does Scripture teach about playing video games, especially video games that have violent, adult, and other content that is sinful? For example, how should a Christian handle playing a video game such as Grand Theft Auto where the games glorify obscenities and murder among many other sinful activities? Or what about a military-type…
Read MoreWhy Sex Without Being Married is a Sin
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/WhySexWithoutBeingMarriedIsASin.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Corinthians 12:19-21 I. I received the following note: “Hi! I’m a 21 year old girl from Iceland, and I found this site by accident as I was looking for answers on the Internet about … contraception. I found the answer here and want to thank you for a good…
Read MoreWhy did God allow slavery or commit genocide?
Question: Why did God allow the Israelites to commit actions which are clearly wrong, by His command, such as allowing daughters to be sold into slavery (Exodus 21:7) or committing genocide upon the peoples of Canaan (Joshua)? If the Bible is infallible, is this the kind of moral code that God wants us to apply…
Read MoreWhere are we headed?
Question: I have been reading your web site for some time. I have lots of questions but I will try to limit them to one subject: human reproduction. Every four years abortion is a huge subject, then after the election, it is soon forgotten. There is disagreement about using discarded “test tube” babies for stem…
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