I took some vases without asking permission

April 26, 2021

Question: I was out walking a few months ago in an area I don’t normally live. One of the neighbors was selling their home and moving to a new home. They started to trash stuff and there were two beautiful vases that I admired so much. One day I took the vases thinking that they…

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I feel guilty about my past

March 29, 2021

Question: Hello, I’m 16 years old. I became a Christian several years ago. I’m writing to you today because I’ve been recently feeling guilty about something I did when I was younger. My family and I were in a store and I went into the aisle and saw a pack of candy open, so I…

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

September 2, 2020

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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Three Philosophies of Life

March 8, 2020

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 10:25-37   I.         Luke 10:25-37             A.        A lawyer, trying to test Jesus, asked him how to gain eternal life.             B.        Jesus, as was his want, turned the question around and asked for his opinion first.             C.        The response was to love God and to love his neighbor. To which Jesus agreed.             D.        The lawyer…

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I Quit!

March 1, 2020

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Mark 10:35-45   I.         We’ve all seen people frustrated with a task. “I quit!” they yell as they storm off.             A.        Funny thing … Do you remember who it was? Neither does anyone else.             B.        However, there are times I ought to quit.                         1.         I can allow myself to get into a rut.                         2.         I…

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What is the difference between coveting and stealing?

February 11, 2020

Question: What is the difference between coveting and stealing? Answer: Coveting is wanting to possess what another person has. A similar word to “coveting” is “greed.” “For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire, and the greedy man curses and spurns the LORD” (Psalms 10:3). In other words, a covetous man is selfish. Other people…

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Is it OK to turn another Christian into the police for stealing from you?

July 4, 2019

Question: Is it right for an elder to detain a sister in a police station because she collected the elder’s ID card and two mobile phones? Answer: Christians are required by God to stop stealing (Ephesians 4:28) and not make a practice of it. Our interactions regarding Christians and what to do about their sin…

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Lying, Cheating, and Stealing

January 20, 2019

Text: Revelation 21:1-8   I.         What is it that we teach our children?             A.        What do tell them about lying, cheating, and stealing?             B.        Most of us would be confident that they understand these things are wrong.             C.        But are you certain?             D.        Far too often we send mixed messages.             E.        One very perceptive mother sent three examples from her life…

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Is stealing OK if one is starving?

August 8, 2013

Question: I am preparing for Bible class that I am teaching this evening during our regular midweek services and need to be prepared in case I am challenged by one of our members who might have the idea that stealing is okay if one is starving. Your response? Answer: “People do not despise a thief…

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