Posts Tagged ‘teaching’
Trip Report – 2014 (Singapore, Bali)
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TripReport2014.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton
Read MoreMy congregation is so caught up in meals and activities that they have lost sight of teaching
Question: Hello, I have been a member of the church of Christ for almost 20 years. I now have my own family and have been highly discouraged to continue attending the congregation in our hometown. Lately, I have been noticing so many changes in the church. Many local congregations, as well as ours, host what…
Read MoreIs it wrong to scold someone? Do I rebuke every bad thing a person does? Does a little bit of immorality make a show bad?
Question: Hi Mr. Jeff, I really enjoy your website. Thank you for sharing it with others. I just wanted to ask you about three questions: The first question I had was: As followers of Christ, our speech and conduct is supposed to give grace to those who hear. Sometimes I’m confused as to if what…
Read MoreHow do I deal with erroneous comments on Facebook?
Question: On Facebook, I have friends who are religious but not scripturally correct in their teachings. They do post things that are correct at times but knowing they are in error, on the whole, I am always questioning myself as to whether I should respond when they comment, or just try and teach them that…
Read MoreHow do I talk to family members who are committing fornication?
Question: I have a question regarding two people getting married. Someone in my family was once married and got divorced. In Matthew 5:31-32 it says that one can’t divorce her husband or his wife except for sexual immorality. This family member did not divorce her husband for sexual immorality but for another reason. She wants…
Read MoreReaching the Youth
by Terry Partain Forty-five years ago I was hired to work with another preacher to especially reach out to the youth. I was too late. The youth and their parents had separate social lives. The practice of catering to groups according to their age has destroyed the bonds of affection and understanding as well as…
Read MoreSoldiers of Christ
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/SoldiersOfChrist.mp3 by Clint Crosier
Read MoreIs it bad that most members in our church were raised in the church?
Question: Dear Mr. Hamilton, I’ve been emphasizing how important truth is in the Bible to one of my friends. She has been very receptive to the truths I’ve shown her in God’s Word. I’ve taken her to the church I attend and she enjoys it but she says it’s not her thing. Now I tell…
Read MoreFed and Led
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/2014Spring2FedAndLed.mp3 by Brian Faulkner Text: Psalms 23 Introduction: Live in a society that wants no responsibility Welfare mentality Want someone else to do the thinking Little or no investigation Even less concern Do as little as possible Runaway lawsuits to get rich Lottery Want and look for the easiest way out This leads to socialism…
Read MoreHow can I teach when I am so unworthy?
Question: I am currently 21 years old. Every day I wake up and cannot get the sins I have committed in my past out of my head. They haunt me day in and day out. I want to get to know Christ better, but I feel like I can no longer be the Christian I…
Read MoreWhat authority do you have to teach on the Internet?
Question: If every example of preaching in the first century was done in person by mouth to those that could hear, and the direct command was to go and preach, where is your Bible authority to preach on the Internet? Answer: Here is an example of artificially restricting a command. Communicating by writing is a form of…
Read MoreI used some of your materials to teach others. Thank you
Question: Dear Brother, I don’t know who you are but I want to tell you that the articles you have on your congregation’s website are fantastic. I am a member of the church. I am at the present studying the Bible with two people, one is a retired doctor who is a Seven Day Adventist…
Read MoreAren’t you being rude in some of your answers?
Question: Hello, I was writing because I’ve read some of your articles and found them helpful and appreciate all that you do. There is one thing that is not a big problem, but I see when you write some of the answers to questions you come off rude to a couple of people, and I…
Read MoreYou Just Don’t Understand
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/YouJustDontUnderstand.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 119:97-104 I. Some people are confident that no other person can possibly understand what they are going through. A. “You’ve never struggled with addiction” B. “You have more money, so you can’t understand my difficulties.” C. “You grew up in the church, I didn’t.” D. “You’ve never experienced prejudice.” E. Do you have…
Read MoreIs it good to talk about why you object to sins when others react in hostility?
Question: Mr. Hamilton, First and foremost, thank you and the La Vista Church of Christ for the great Christian example you have set. I too am part of the churches of Christ (Romans 16:16). My question to you is how should I conduct online teachings? Just recently, I’ve started visiting sites speaking against things, such as…
Read MoreHow do I teach a withdrawn-from family member who thinks God is directing her?
Question: I have a family member who was at one time in the Lord’s church. Recently she told me she is “rebelling” against the ‘church’ (was in a denominational church), so I finally asked what was meant by ‘rebelling’ and she said there were so many errors and problems in this church or that one,…
Read MoreWas I too impatient when I gave my mother constructive criticism?
Question: Hello, I am really into Christianity and trying to learn and grow, but they still seem to be rather worldly. I am trying to lead by example, but I wonder if that is enough. The knowledge that they could die at any time makes me want to be rather hasty and get on them…
Read MoreHow do you handle a 10-year-old making critical remarks?
Question: Hello, Your website is great and very helpful. My question is about my niece, who is 10 years old. She has had a sudden change in her personality in school, Sunday school, and at home. She has become critical of everybody and is commenting on everything, so as to make people around her laugh.…
Read MoreHow can I defend the faith as a Christian youth?
Question: Please assist me with this question: “How can I defend the faith as a Christian youth?” Thank you. Answer: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to…
Read MoreWill God only be pleased with me if I’m witnessing for Him full-time?
Question: Is God still happy for a person who isn’t full-time witnessing to others? Say I chose to go in the military and stay for a few years and during that time I show and act I am a Christian. I witness to others but only when I have time and depending on what the…
Read MoreHow do I teach my worldly family when I visit them?
Question: Hello, I am visiting my worldly family right now and plan to be here for the next few days. I would like to at least spread some seed while I am here. I feel as though I could explain the basics of Christianity well enough if someone were already seeking to be a Christian…
Read MoreHow do I prove that Jesus exists and the Bible is true?
Question: How do I prove to an atheist that Jesus exists and that every word in the Bible is true? He believes in “om” and the energy runs the world. That life is made of energy. Answer: This person is not an atheist. An atheist does not believe in any higher being or force. The…
Read MoreI’m interested in a woman, but she is worldly and I don’t know if I should discuss the Bible with her or not
Question: Hi Jeffrey, I have a question for you regarding a situation with a female co-worker of mine that I have taken interest in. I’m trying to seek your advice on what you think I should do regarding this situation. The situation is that I have an interest in this woman, but her values are…
Read MoreIf I aim to preach or teach, what do I need to learn?
Question: It would seem that not many are even aiming to try and follow the truth, and as such, I would like to someday be a preacher and or teacher in hopes that some might be won over to Christ and the truth. I appreciate that you seem to do that as well. It seems…
Read MoreAre women prohibited from ever teaching men in an assembly of any kind?
Question: Is there any verse, to your knowledge, that prohibits women from ever teaching men in an assembly of any kind? I know she can’t teach from a position of authority such as an elder, deacon, preacher, evangelist, etc. And, I know that she can’t usurp authority over a man, but can she teach men…
Read MoreThanks for encouraging me to stay in the word. I’m trying to help someone else who is going through a similar struggle
Question: Thank you, Jeffrey, for the writings that you have shared with me. It is uplifting to know that I still have hope. I frequently get discouraged and I try to stay in the word. It helps me stay firm when I hear someone speak the truth in a sensible way. I think Satan has…
Read MoreYour articles are very helpful when I am sharing the gospel
Question: Good evening, As your sister in Christ, I wanted to thank you for your articles. They are very helpful when I am sharing the gospel and contending for the faith. I hope that this email serves to encourage you to keep up the good work. Answer: Oh, it definitely does gladden my day. Thank…
Read MoreWhat was the Lord’s reasoning for showing Elijah the wind, earthquake, and fire?
Question: What was the Lord’s reasoning for showing Elijah the wind, earthquake, and fire in I Kings 19:11-12? Why does the text say the Lord was not in the wind? Answer: “Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong…
Read MoreHow do I put Ezekiel 3:18-21 into practice?
Question: Hello again. I have gotten baptized, making a move to a more sound church, and have helped those closest to me in some Christian matters. However, I am still wondering how to live out Ezekiel 3:18-21 when I see so many people out in public that I don’t really know sinning. I especially don’t…
Read MoreI can’t seem to get my parents interested in true Christianity
Question: Hello, I could really use some advice. I am wanting to make a move to one of the churches that you recommended, but my parents don’t share my enthusiasm about trying to follow Christ’s teachings accurately. Less than half an hour ago my mom told me she would rather finish a movie than read…
Read MoreAre you a church that constantly talks about Obama and abortion?
Question: Is your church a place where I am going to constantly hear about Obama and abortion? Do you discuss politics? Are these topics that are continually touched upon? I would appreciate an honest answer. Thank you. Answer: You can look through the Sermons and see what is discussed here. Moral topics are discussed and why…
Read MoreYou shouldn’t be discussing sex on a church’s website
Question: To whom it may concern: I recently searched for information regarding elders and your site came up on my search. I am very disturbed to know that there is an evangelist who seems to think it is OK to publish very explicit material regarding sexual subjects that way you are. I am sure this…
Read MoreDo I have to tell everyone they are in sin?
Question: Should I be trying to correct every little act of unrighteousness? Perhaps “little” isn’t the right word. In my school, so many people are sinning and frequently too. How useful could I be trying to convert everyone that I see? I don’t see how I could teach and develop a relationship with everyone around…
Read MoreDo I tell my friend that homosexuality is wrong?
Question: One of my friends, who has been depressed, is a bit more open-hearted to Christianity than my other friends. I’ve seen her praying. She’s said to me she’s going to pray for something a few times. But she is bi, and she’s in love with a girl, who’s in love with her too. It…
Read MoreI got a chance to teach some young adults. Any suggestions?
Question: I am going to host a Bible study in my home for my son’s friends who have indicated an interest (17 to 21-year-olds). Any pointers, subject, etc.? I plan on starting out with the reliability of the Bible. Answer: At this age range, the ability to reason has kicked in strongly, so it isn’t…
Read MoreWhat if, while I encourage Christians, I end up encouraging members of a false religion?
Question: I have recently finished another article about letting our acts and voices continue to confess Christ throughout our lives. I was wondering though, what if I end up encouraging someone from a false religion to do more for their denomination? My aim is to encourage Christians, but it’s always possible that this might happen. …
Read MoreThank you for all the encouragement and support you’ve given me
Question: Hey, Like always, thanks for encouraging and providing support to me. I wanted to share with you good news, I forget the verse that talks about sharing with the person who teaches or leads you. The other day I met with the housekeeping manager at the hotel. He wanted to know what the Bible…
Read MoreI never talked to a man who recently died about Jesus? Am I now condemned?
Question: Please help me, I am very scared. I have recently found God and I am trying to grow in my faith, but today a man died who I barely knew. He went to my school, but we never talked or anything and he is a lot older than me. I never told him about…
Read MoreIsn’t it unfair that North Koreans can’t know about God?
Question: Isn’t it unfair that North Koreans can’t know about God? Do they just go to hell? It’s not really their fault at all. The leader tells them everything. They have no way of knowing about God, no outside communication whatsoever. Will they go to hell for something they have no control of? Obviously, only…
Read MoreFor a Bible class, I was told to ask someone a series of questions. I was surprised at the response I got and I don’t know how to answer.
Question: Hi, I’m taking a Bible class that aids in helping brothers and sisters spread God’s Word. As part of an assignment, we were to ask a non-member of the church the following: What interests you the most? Is the Bible from God? Is Jesus God? Will most go to heaven? Well I asked my…
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