teaching – La Vista Church of Christ https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:02:10 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-LaVistaBanner-Copy-1-32x32.png teaching – La Vista Church of Christ https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms 32 32 157465916 May a Woman Ever Teach a Man? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/may-a-woman-ever-teach-a-man/ Fri, 06 Mar 2026 23:25:48 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=94383

by Jimmy Ferguson

There is much error taught and practiced in the brotherhood today regarding women teaching men. In some places, women are allowed and even encouraged to speak in public assemblies and to teach classes where both men and women are present. Some brethren have swung far to the right and contend that a woman cannot teach a man under any circumstances. Some have even said that a Christian woman cannot give a man a Bible and that a Christian wife cannot lead her non-Christian husband to Christ. Rather than espousing our opinions, we would do well to ask ourselves, “What saith the Scriptures?”

Let us look at I Timothy 2:12. The passage states, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” Instructions to women here are in contrast to the liberty of men to teach or “pray everywhere” (I Timothy 2:8). The public discourses and public confrontations with unbelievers were to be done by the men. Women were not to engage in teaching in such places and under such circumstances.

There are, however, places or circumstances where a woman may teach. We find such an example in the Scriptures. There was a man in Ephesus named Apollos whose preaching was heard by a man and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla. Acts 18:26 states, “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” This Christian woman helped teach a man, and the matter is recorded in Scripture with full approval. She did not teach in a public place, nor in a public assembly. She (with her husband) “took him aside” (ASV) from the public meeting and privately “expounded” (KJV) the Word of God unto him. The word “expound” is from a Greek word meaning “to declare.” However, let it be noted and understood that in so doing, she still would not be allowed to “usurp authority” (I Timothy 2:12). In the didactic discourse (Greek, didaskein, in I Timothy 2:12), the man is in authority over the woman.

I cannot visualize Priscilla “lording it over” her husband by taking the matter out of his hands. But neither do I see Aquila closing the door on anything she might have to say. I see this as a “team effort” with both Aquila and Priscilla working together to teach Apollos, but with Priscilla not usurping her husband’s authority.

If I were lost, I would shudder to think that my Christian wife would be restricted from telling me what I needed to do to be saved! And I would hope that she would not face the judgment for having withheld the word of life from me.

Women can teach, or pray, in private settings (Acts 18:24-28) or in other settings where she does not “have dominion” over men (Titus 2:3-8). The contrast in I Timothy 2:8-15 is clear: men may pray and teach everywhere (public and private), but women are restricted (to private settings). Yes, a woman may teach a man, but not in a public place or public gathering, nor in a way as to usurp authority over him.

]]> 94383 A Former Mormon Missionary on How to Reach Mormon Missionaries https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/a-former-mormon-missionary-on-how-to-reach-mormon-missionaries/ Wed, 25 Feb 2026 22:18:25 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=94214

by Darryl Smelser

Today, I happened across a YouTube video produced by a former Mormon missionary and former Mormon believer. He spoke about the trauma his Mormon faith and specifically his 2-year mission put him through. I'd like to share an observation of his. Not from the video, but from his comments to me.

I commented on the video, asking him if he had any observations on how best to reach those young men when they come to our doors and how to help them see the fallacy of the Mormon system.

He replied to me as follows:

"I don't think you can. It has to be a personal journey, and they will be unable to look at it honestly until their nervous system feels safe enough to do so. I doubt that will happen on a stranger's doorstep. I think the only thing you can do is show love. When missionaries face aggression or hostility, it confirms their binary worldview. When they are met with unconditional love and acceptance...even as weird Mormon missionaries, it challenges their worldview. That's what eventually broke me: kind people who weren't Mormon and accepted me regardless of my faith. It broke my brain on how the world works."

Now I'm not sure which way he's using the word "acceptance," but some level of acceptance - acceptance of a person's worth for thoughtful and kind conversation - is appropriate. And "love" is certainly appropriate (and commanded) (Luke 6:35; Galatians 6:9-10).

What broke his indoctrinated brain was kind people who weren't Mormon.

I've heard multiple preaching brethren talk about welcoming LDS missionaries into their homes, and about how quickly they "shut down" those missionaries, and how quickly those missionaries gave up and left ("They were back out the door in 15 minutes!!"). Those comments I've seen and heard have come across with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

I believe most of my brethren are not like that, that most of you in this group are not like that. But I've seen it multiple times, and a few of those times have been in this group. So I thought I'd share this former missionary's perspective.

Firing arguments like torpedoes can be seen as standing for the truth, but it reinforces the Mormon binary worldview that Mormons are kind and others are not. They're not leaving your door because they saw the truth and didn't know how to deal with it. They're leaving because they see you as someone in the mold of the world.

Speak truth, but speak it in the language of love, patience, and kindness; that challenges their worldview.

]]> 94214 Which Doctrines to Never Mention in Church? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/which-doctrines-to-never-mention-in-church/ Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:47:12 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=94002

by Terry Wane Benton

In order to make the church more appealing to lost sinners in the community, we could avoid talking about drunkenness, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, etc., but then our goal becomes seeking to please men (the creature) over the Creator (Romans 1:18ff). God put verses in the epistles to be read and studied in the church's assemblies. The same book that mentions possible unbelievers coming into the assembly (I Corinthians 14:23), expected the reading of the sins mentioned in I Corinthians 5-6. Everyone needs to hear the truth, even when it may make someone uncomfortable. The news of having cancer is uncomfortable, but necessary to get the person moving toward the remedy.

There are no verses to avoid in church. The mission of the Spirit is to convict the world of sin and of how to be made right with God, calling us to repentance. The church must not shun to declare the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). If it shuns to declare what the Bible says on a few topics, it is not a true church of God. Look to be part of a church that preaches even the uncomfortable truths. Mirrors are not designed to make us feel good about ourselves. They are designed to show us the truth so that we know what to improve (James 1:21f).

]]> 94002 How can I remember where passages are? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/how-can-i-remember-where-passages-are/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:15:57 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=93120

Question:

Hello,

I do appreciate all the questions you have answered and the guidance that you have provided. I have a student who is concerned that she cannot recall scripture to support her beliefs. I understand the basic knowledge of how to commit something to memory. While in nursing school, I sometimes did not fully understand when I had to commit the information to memory. Oftentimes, we would use acronyms. How can I put into words how she may learn scripture? I plan to suggest reading and re-reading as well as making note cards. Then, practice and practice. Of course, reading from the Bible daily can help facilitate memorization. I was hoping you might have some additional insight to help me assist her.

I thank you for your time!

Answer:

Memorizing passages is important because we don't always have a Bible at hand, but it sounds like your student is more concerned with locating passages to support her points.

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil" (Hebrews 5:12-14).

"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:22-25).

Book learning is good, but it is hard to retain if it is not put to use.

When I study with someone and a point comes up that I can't recall the passage for, I apologize and ask if I might get back to them on it. Once I locate the passage, I write the verse and a short description of how it can be used in the blank pages at the front and back of my Bible. Over the years, I compiled an index of passages I frequently used in studies (see "Quick Reference for Personal Workers"). I encourage people to develop their own lists. Over the years, I've found that I look at the list less and less because I've used the verses so often that I've memorized them without actually setting out to memorize them.

Today, with smartphones in everyone's pocket, it isn't difficult to create a note file with your favorite verses. But this leads to another technique. Instead of memorizing whole passages, try to remember keywords. For example, I'm studying with a Calvinist who denies that baptism can save. I recall a passage that says "baptism now saves." Perhaps I also remember that the passage is somewhere near the end of the New Testament. I start up my Bible on my phone, type in "baptism" and then scroll down to the last entry, which is I Peter 3:21, just the one I was looking for!

Another example: I want to encourage someone who just had a disastrous slip-up with sin not to give up. I recall there was a verse in Proverbs that said something about the righteous falling seven times. So I look up "seven," scroll to Proverbs in the list, and notice that Proverbs 24:16 is the verse that I wanted.

Again, I find that as I look for the same verses a number of times each year, over the years, I begin to remember the references without having to look them up. Remembering key phrases is much easier for me than being able to quote the entire verse.

A final technique I've been working on is learning what each book of the Bible is about. It helps me narrow my searches. Once I got comfortable with that, I started memorizing what each chapter is roughly about. For example, II Peter 3 is about the second coming of Christ and the destruction of the world. II Corinthians 3 about the difference between the Old and New Law and how the New Law is superior. Hebrews 11 is about faith and features a list of "heroes" of faith. Once again, the more I use this, the more it becomes a part of my memory. While I might not remember the exact verse number, I often can say, "A verse about the destruction of the world is near II Peter 3:12," which is good enough to quickly locate the exact verse.

A new Christian should never expect to know everything about the Bible in their first year. Instead, do you know more than you did a year ago? Then you are making progress. I admire people who can quote large portions of the Bible from memory, but I know my mind doesn't operate that way, so I work on techniques that help me teach others. As of this writing, I've been preaching for 51 years, and I'm still working on improving my recall. I figure I'll be at it for the remainder of my life.

Response:

Thank you very much!

]]> 93120 Confidence in Sharing Your Faith https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/confidence-in-sharing-your-faith/ Sun, 28 Dec 2025 21:11:53 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=92900

by Scott Smelser
via InLight Media

Evangelism intimidates us. We feel guilty because we feel like we should do more, but that only creates a stronger vicious cycle of not doing it. In this video, Scott Smelser breaks it down and shows you how sharing your faith is totally doable, and much simpler than you think!

]]> 92900 For Want of a Nail https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/for-want-of-a-nail/ Sat, 13 Dec 2025 20:44:30 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=92562

by Stephen Harper

There is an old nursery rhyme that we may remember:

For want of a nail, the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe, the horse was lost.
For want of a horse, the rider was lost.
For want of a rider, the message was lost.
For want of a message, the battle was lost.
For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

This supposedly refers to King Richard III’s death at the Battle of Bosworth, where a message intended for the king on the battlefield never reached him because of the messenger’s horse. Thus, the series of events culminated in the potential loss of the battle and kingdom. Regardless of whether it is true, it illustrates the “domino effect” a failure can have on things, events, and people we may never realize or even know about. This seems like something we should consider in spiritual matters, too. It could read like this:

For want of Bible study, knowledge was lost.
For want of knowledge, a teacher was lost.
For want of a teacher, an opportunity was lost.
For want of an opportunity, the gospel’s spread was lost.
For want of the gospel, belief was lost.
For want of belief, repentance is lost.
For want of repentance, a soul was lost.

I know many stories of individuals who had one-time opportunities to teach complete strangers the gospel [someone has even compiled some of these stories in a book], and those opportunities were literally life-changing and soul-saving. In each one of those stories, the ending would have been vastly different had they not spoken the gospel when they had the opportunity. But they never would have had the opportunity if they had not known the message and the need to teach others. I thank God for those who spoke when they had the opportunity. I — like the apostle Paul, seek your prayers [even as I pray for myself] — “that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). Let us all make the greatest effort to tell the greatest story to those who have the greatest need in hearing it.

]]> 92562 Ways to Motivate Members of the Church to Do Personal Work https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/ways-to-motivate-members-of-the-church-to-do-personal-work/ Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:19:47 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=92532

by Wesley Simons

How many times have you heard someone say, “I just cannot get motivated to do this or that.” Many members of the church find it hard to motivate themselves to study their Bibles, pray, attend services regularly, do personal evangelism, etc.

So, they turn to the elders or the preacher and ask for help. “Give us something to fire us up,” one states. However, we ask: “What will fire-one-up or charge his battery?”

Why Does One Need To Be Fired-Up or Motivated?

Personal evangelism involves many disappointments. When one presents the truth to some people, they get mad (Genesis 4:5-6). This means lost friends and loved ones. If one is trying hard enough, he thinks he can convert the world, but this doesn’t happen, and down go his spirits. Doors are closed in his face time and time again. One starts to feel like Elijah, “I, even I only, am left” (I Kings 19:10).

Brethren, please understand this is one reason that God gave us the worship service so that we could be provoked unto good works (Hebrews 10:24). “Let us not grow weary in well doing” (Galatians 6:9). But let us be, “Steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58).

Ways To Motivate

I would like to list some things that ought to motivate all of us at this time.

  1. Jesus loved us and died for us (John 3:16).
    Brethren, we ought to do like the woman at the well. When she found out that Jesus was the Christ (John 4:29), she went and told her friends.
  2. We need to feel the urgency of sharing the truth with others! (Matthew 28:18-20).
    Since the gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16), we must feel the obligation of sharing it with all men.
  3. If we do not share the gospel with others, we will be lost.
    Why? Because we will be disobedient to the Lord’s great commission (Mark 16:15-16).
  4. We have something worth sharing.
    Brethren, we have the truth. However, if we do not share that truth, we will help no one because, without the truth, no man can be set free (John 8:32).
  5. If we will not share the truth with a lost and dying world, who will?
    Brethren, we are God’s servants. “Let us work while it is yet day” (John 9:4).
  6. We must realize one soul is worth more than the whole world (Matthew 16:26).
  7. Let us also remember that the best place to start personal work is at home.
    Remember Noah (Genesis 6-8).
  8. Also, remember, one person can make a lot of difference.
    Remember: Noah, Jesus, Paul, and a host of faithful brethren who at times felt like they were standing alone.
  9. You will be judged according to your talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
    Don’t you have some ability to present the gospel to others? Sure you do!

Brethren, if we don’t do it, we'd better remember this:

  1. The world will be lost.
  2. We will be lost.
  3. God will be disappointed in all of us.

Jesus loved us enough to die for us. May God help us be motivated to love Him and our fellow man by preaching the blessed truth of His precious Word (Acts 20:32; Psalms 19:7; I Peter 1:22-25; James 1:18).

The facts mentioned above ought to be enough to motivate us all. So, let’s go to work!

]]> 92532 Becoming Your Enemy https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/becoming-your-enemy/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:25:27 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=92246

by Micky Galloway

Paul wrote the Galatian letter to those who had been influenced by Judaizing teachers who had bound, as necessary to salvation, certain aspects of the Law of Moses. Paul indicted some of them, "Ye are severed from Christ, ye would be justified by the Law; ye are fallen away from grace" (Galatians 5:4). This was a serious charge. Earlier in his letter, Paul had written, "For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse: for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the Law, to do them'" (Galatians 3:10).

The Judaizing teachers did not realize that justification under the Law of Moses was not possible unless they kept it perfectly. Paul pronounced God's anathema upon anyone who preached such a perverted gospel (Galatians 1:9). Evidently, from the text, the Judaizing teachers were causing many casualties. Though Paul had a very close relationship with the Galatian churches (cf. Galatians 4:15), he expressed fear that he had wasted his time, "I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain" (Galatians 4:11). He then asked them, "So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth?" (Galatians 4:16). This question had far-reaching implications.

God's children need to be rebuked when they sin. In Acts 8, the text tells us that as Philip preached in Samaria, "Simon also himself believed: and being baptized, he continued with Philip; and beholding signs and great miracles wrought, he was amazed" (Acts 8:13). Yet, when Simon offered the apostles money to buy the ability to impart spiritual gifts, Peter rebuked him saying, "Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee" (Acts 8:20-22).

When Peter disassociated himself from the Gentile converts in Antioch, Paul rebuked him to the face because "he stood condemned" (Galatians 2:11). Peter's actions were hypocritical.

Paul instructed young Timothy to reprove elders who sin "in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear" (I Timothy 5:20).

The preaching of truth often makes enemies.

  • As Moses sought to free the children of Israel, Pharaoh threatened to kill him, "Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in the day thou seest my face thou shalt die" (Exodus 10:28).
  • Likewise, wicked Jezebel threatened Elijah: "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life" (I Kings 19:2-3).
  • Jezebel's husband, King Ahab of Israel, said of the prophet Micaiah, "I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil" (I Kings 22:8).

None of this is new, for men have always opposed truth. Jesus attempted to prepare the apostles for their work by telling them, "Ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake" (Matthew 10:22).

Some become enemies of the truth in ignorance. Paul is an example of this; he thought he was doing right in persecuting the church. He said, "I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And this I also did ..." (Acts 26:9; cf. I Timothy 1:13).
Others are so blinded by prejudice that they cannot believe the truth (cf. John 12:39). These obviously do not love the truth (cf. II Thessalonians 2:10-12).

Still others knowingly and deliberately make themselves enemies of the truth. Jesus explained why in John 3:19-20, "men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved."
Truth, however, must be preached, even at the expense of making enemies. Paul charged Timothy to "preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables" (II Timothy 4:1-4). As we have heard so many times before, "Just one untaught generation leads to apostasy."

Paul spoke of the Judaizing teachers among the Galatians as "false brethren ... who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour." Why did Paul take such a hard stand? He continued ... "that the truth of the gospel might continue with you" (Galatians 2:4-5). Paul had no desire to please people. His only desire was to please God. "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). If Paul wanted to please men, he would never have stopped practicing Judaism. As a Jew, he had many things to his credit, but he was willing, for Christ's sake, to count it all loss, "for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, and be found in Him ... " (Philippians 3:7-9).

Yes, preaching the truth makes enemies, but the consequences for failing to teach it are worse; souls are lost. Those who taught that the Gentiles had to be circumcised were "subverting their souls" (cf. Acts 15:24). The word used here for "subverting" is the Greek word "psuchas." It means to "turn away violently from a right state, to unsettle" (Thayer). Those who mislead the ones whom they are trying to teach will receive "heavier judgment," or greater condemnation (James 3:1; cf. Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47). There are eternal consequences for teaching that which is false. Therefore, let us "preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season ..." That means, preach it right, when they like it and when they don't like it, but preach the word.

]]> 92246 Are Christians Obligated to Debate Everyone Who Disagrees with Their Teaching? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/are-christians-obligated-to-debate-everyone-who-disagrees-with-their-teaching/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:48:35 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=92235

by Becky René

Whenever a Christian shares biblical material—whether by posting an article, forwarding a devotional, writing something of their own, or commenting on a passage—there will always be someone who disagrees. This is not unusual. It is simply part of living in a world where people differ in background, maturity, understanding, and interpretation. The real question is this: Does sharing biblical material oblige a Christian to enter into every discussion, debate, or private exchange that disagreement might provoke? Some believe silence is a form of guilt or evasion. Others face pressure to defend what they posted, even when they lack the time or desire to engage. This article sets out a clear, scriptural answer.

Disagreement Is Inevitable Whenever Truth Is Spoken

Disagreement does not mean the original post was unclear or incorrect. Jesus taught perfect truth, yet people disagreed, questioned, and divided over His words (John 7:12, 43). Some walked away (John 6:66). Some argued among themselves (John 7:40–41). Others doubted (Matthew 28:17). Even the apostles, though inspired, faced misunderstanding and resistance (Acts 17:32; Acts 24:25). Paul wrote letters that some believers misinterpreted (II Peter 3:15-16). If disagreement surrounded inspired teaching, it will certainly surround uninspired articles shared online. Disagreement is normal, not a sign that the writer must now personally engage every objector.

Teaching or Sharing Truth Creates Opportunity, Not Obligation

When a Christian posts or shares biblical material, they are giving others something to consider. That is an opportunity for reflection, study, and further inquiry. But it does not automatically create a duty for the poster to enter into personal debate. Jesus Himself taught publicly, yet did not privately clarify His teaching to every sincere listener. After teaching the crowds in parables, many questions remained unanswered—but Jesus let people reflect without insisting on personal explanation for all (Matthew 13:10–17). He chose when to engage deeply and when not to.

Likewise, Paul preached in synagogues and marketplaces (Acts 17:17), but we have no record of him corresponding with every individual who disagreed or wished to argue. Scripture never suggests that teaching truth forces the teacher—or anyone who repeats that teaching—to defend it in private debate with all who respond.

Scripture Gives Christians Freedom to Choose Which Discussions to Enter

The New Testament never commands believers to answer every challenge. Instead, it gives principles for discernment:

  • Answer the sincere: “Be ready always to give an answer…” (I Peter 3:15).
  • Avoid the unprofitable: “Avoid foolish questions…” (Titus 3:9).
  • Withdraw from contentious discussion: “Shun profane and vain babblings…” (II Timothy 2:16).
  • Reject quarrels that produce strife: “Avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they do gender strifes” (II Timothy 2:23).

These verses assume Christians will face situations in which they choose not to engage, even when the other person is earnest. If scripture expected believers to answer every disagreement, these warnings would be meaningless.

Sincere Disagreement Does Not Create Moral, Spiritual, or Social Duty

A person may disagree respectfully, sincerely, and with a genuine desire for discussion. But that sincerity does not impose a moral weight on the Christian who posted the material. Many sincere people asked Jesus honest questions, yet He did not always answer them all. For example, when asked, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” (Luke 13:23), Jesus did not give the detailed answer the questioner wanted; instead, He redirected to what was spiritually needed (Luke 13:24). He chose His engagements purposefully, not automatically.

Sincerity on the part of the questioner does not equal obligation on the part of the poster.

The Responsibilities of Everyday Christians Are Limited, Not Infinite

Every Christian—regardless of whether they preach, teach, or simply share articles—has responsibilities in daily life: family duties, work commitments, worship, personal growth, local church involvement, and evangelistic opportunities as they arise. They are accountable to manage their time wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Lengthy discussions can drain time and emotional resources, sometimes with little benefit. Entering into every requested debate would make it impossible to meet other responsibilities faithfully. God does not require a Christian to neglect their family, congregation, or personal spiritual life in order to respond to every private message created by an article they shared.

Posting truth does not expand a Christian’s obligations beyond what God has assigned.

The Christian’s Duty Is to Present Truth Faithfully—Not to Win Every Debate

When a believer shares an article—whether written by themselves or someone else—they have already provided:

  • the scriptures
  • the reasoning
  • and the conclusion

The material itself is their explanation. Readers may accept it, reject it, or ponder it. The sharer is not required to supplement that article with personal debate or extended clarification unless they choose to do so. Silence is not an admission of error. It is simply a decision not to engage further.

A Polite Decline Is Entirely Acceptable

If someone writes privately disagreeing with an article, a Christian may courteously respond:

“Thank you for reading. I appreciate your sincerity. I am not able to enter into a discussion at this time, but I encourage you to continue studying the scriptures. God bless.”

This response is biblical, respectful, and sufficient. Paul sometimes ended discussions when they ceased to be fruitful (Acts 19:8-9). Jesus sometimes moved on without further explanation (Matthew 15:12-14). Declining further engagement is consistent with both examples.

Conclusion

Disagreement is part of sharing truth, but disagreement does not obligate Christians to debate, explain, or clarify every point raised by sincere readers. Scripture teaches wisdom, discernment, and selectivity—not universal engagement. Posting truth is a good work; defending it endlessly is not required. Whether one chooses to respond or remain silent, the conscience can be clear before God.

The Christian’s task is to speak truth faithfully.

How far they go in the discussion is a matter of choice, not obligation.

]]> 92235 Share Your Faith Without Having All the Answers https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/share-your-faith-without-having-all-the-answers/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 03:34:31 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=91623

by Erik Borlaug

Do you ever feel nervous about evangelism—afraid you won’t have the right answers when talking with skeptics? You’re not alone. Many Christians avoid spiritual conversations because they feel unprepared. But here’s the good news: effective evangelism doesn’t start with having all the answers—it starts with asking good questions. In this video, Erik Borlaug shares three powerful questions for evangelism that can:

  • Take the pressure off you to be a walking encyclopedia
  • Encourage skeptics to think more deeply about their beliefs
  • Open the door to meaningful conversations about Jesus

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

  • How to share your faith without fear
  • Three evangelism questions every Christian should know
  • Why asking questions is better than debating
  • Practical apologetics made simple

Questions that Spark Spiritual Conversations

Starting spiritual conversations doesn’t have to feel awkward or forced. In this video, Erik Borlaug shares five powerful questions you can use to naturally shift everyday conversations toward faith. These questions are non-threatening, simple to remember, and can open the door for deeper discussions about God, the Bible, and what really matters. Whether you’re talking with friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors, these questions can help you listen better, show genuine care, and spark meaningful spiritual dialogue.

]]> 91623