You should stop bullying people about sexual sins

Question: Preaching fire and brimstone to young, confused and naive children when they turn to you for advice and help in what is surely a very scary time is despicable. I suggest in the future you direct their questions to reliable medical sites that might actually help them with their problems rather than scare them…

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Does a Christian have the right to privately criticize an elder?

Question: Does a church member have the right to privately confront or send a message to an elder, for the purpose of disagreement or criticism? If this not acceptable, what consequences should follow a disagreement? Answer: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who…

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How do I tell someone they are sinning?

Question: I have a slight problem that I don’t think I know how to fix, and this is concerning one of my family members.  He has been having sex with his girlfriend for a while now, and one day I stumble on to it (don’t ask me how and they don’t know I know). Well,…

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Reproof

by Ethan R. Longhenry “Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge; but he that hateth reproof is brutish” (Proverbs 12:1). “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction; but a scoffer heareth not rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1). “A fool despiseth his father’s correction; but he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence” (Proverbs 15:5). One of the things that unite all mankind…

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Is Love to Blame?

by Steve Klein Have you ever known parents who claimed that they loved their children too much to spank them?  Ever known someone who tried to justify having sex outside of marriage because they loved the person?  Ever known a Christian who would not rebuke and correct religious errors because they loved others too much…

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He Says He Didn’t Do It

by Greg Gwin A few years ago there was a national controversy concerning allegations of immorality made against the man who was then President. He had been accused of serious and repeated sexual mis­conduct. The President and his aides vehemently denied any wrongdoing. What could be done? How could we know if he was guilty,…

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What Shall We Do Then?

by Kent Heaton John the Baptist was a fire and brimstone preacher. His appearance alone would strike fear into most hearts. “Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4). His sermons were direct and not very commending…

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How do you handle criticism?

Question: What are the biblical teachings concerning criticism, forgiveness, and how to deal with criticism? Criticism has many faces, but I’m inquiring about the kind that can mar a person’s self-esteem and his good reputation. Answer: How you handle criticism depends on why you are being criticized. “For this is commendable, if because of conscience…

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Have You Gone to Him About It?

by Brian A. Yeager How brethren deal with sin among the saints should often be brought into question. In fact, one could easily write many articles pointing out how infrequently brethren will apply what the scriptures teach when it comes to congregational discipline. Then, when brethren finally decided to practice scriptural discipline it is sad…

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Eli and Being Soft on Sin

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I.         There are many things to admire about the man Eli             A.        He judged Israel for 40 years; during which time he was God’s spokesman.             B.        We find no record of any outward evil or sin in his life.             C.        When Eli learns that Samuel will take his place, Eli does not rebel, grow bitter,…

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Notes on Disciplining Children

Purpose Change in behavior Proverbs 6:23 “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life” Proverbs 10:1 “A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.” Proverbs 17:21 “He who begets a scoffer does so to his…

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You can’t judge others!

Question: I think you are guilty of this. With all humility, I come to you out of love so that you may stop preaching and standing with an iron fist as one who judges every individual. You cannot condemn people to hell or preach from the pulpit that so-and-so is going to hell. It’s not…

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