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Questions & Answers - 51
through 100
Question #100
Are there different levels of rewards in heaven? Would a mass murderer who becomes a Christian in his final days be treated the same as a Christian who has been faithful all of their life?
Leon's Response
Question #99
I belong to the Church of Christ, but I still have a lot of questions. One is, I was married for ten years, now divorced (he was never a Christian) in fact for all ten years, I tried with all my soul to make things work. He was very abusive, used drugs and was unfaithful more times than I can count. But because of my faith in God, I struggled with this all those years. In the end, I prayed more than I ever did in my life and the only answer I seemed to get over and over was God did not want me to have to go through this pain. I got out! I remarried and we both became dedicated members of the church of Christ.
In our ladies class, we are studying on teaching the younger girls. One of our subjects has been on divorce. It is being taught that you should not divorce; stick it out. I raised the question that as a mother of three girls, I was not going to tell her to stay in a abusive marriage and it seemed to me that some did not agree with that statement. Not that they would allow their daughters to be abused, but basically that they would encourage them to stick it out.
My question is, does the Bible state somewhere, other than about the exception for adultery, you can divorce? And I'm understanding this is the only reason you may divorce, but does that make it ok to remarry? Doesn't it seem to you that God would not want his child to endure this punishment at the hands of someone else? I believe that God has forgiven me for my sins, but am I still sinning because I have remarried?
Leon's Response
Question #98
Can you please tell me why Noah cursed Canaan when Shem and Japheth placed a garment to cover his nakedness after he was drunken from wine? Or is there no significance other than maybe forecasting their futures as a race, people, or nation?
When the bible says "the sons" of Noah, "the sons" of Ham, "the sons" of Cush and then it says "the children" of Shem? Is there any significance in stating "the sons of" as opposed to the "children of"?
I have a "Haley's" Bible handbook and it doesn't say much about it.
Leon's Response
Question #97
How do you reconcile the differing attitudes regarding the violence in the Old Testament compared with the New Testament? Compare Ex.21:23 and Lev.24:20 to Matt.5:38,39. I know that God doesn't change his mind, so this confuses me. When the Jews were going into the promised land God instructed then to kill everyone, kill women and children and show them "no pity" (Deut.7:16). I haven't seen any instances of forgiveness or the opportunity for the people of that area to repent before they were killed. If the Lord wanted these people dead why didn't he kill them? Why make the Jews kill everybody?
Jesus taught us to show love and kindness to all in the New Testament - yet God did not promote forgiveness in any circumstances in the Old Testament. I don't understand why. Is he contradicting himself in regards to these two attitudes? Also, the laws and punishment for breaking those laws seem harsh. See Deut.13:8; 19:13,21; 25:11,12.
Leon's Response
Question #96
We have been studying the topic on giving in church. It has been said that we should give to God first. I understand that, but for instance, if my budget only has enough for a bill to be paid and it is in a cut off situation, should I pay the bill or give my offering as commanded? If I chose to pay my bill, would it be held against me as a sin or considered as robbing God?
I've been a member of the church of Christ for only a year. I come from the
A.M.E. and had been for over 20 years. As a young person, I had always felt uncomfortable claiming a particular religion. My husband is a church of Christ member, so thanks to him I am now converted. My only regret is most of my family members are still
A.M.E. and it is very hard for me to believe they will not be saved.
Getting to my next question, are they saved? My grandfather was a very devout Christian man, as was his wife and another grandfather who have all passed on. I have one living grandmother who has been in the denominational church for over 60 years. She's a firm believer in Christ! Will she not be saved either because she is not in the body of Christ?' His New Testament church?
Leon's Response
Question #95
Where in the Bible does it say
that Christians no longer speak in tongues?
Leon's Response
Question #94
I am trying to find a verse that I have
read in the Bible and I can not find it anywhere. You see, last year I was
diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor which at times causes me to lose my
memory about things I know as well as I know my own name. But as usual, Our
Father in Heaven, is so wonderful. He lead me straight to your this site this
morning after having lain in bed awake most of the night both searching my mind
and the Bible to find this verse. Just when I thought I would absolutely lose my
mind if I could not find it I thought of the internet and was lead straight to
your site. So anyway, this is my question: there is a verse that says something
about visiting someone when they are sick and going to them when they are in
prison. Could you please tell me which verse this comes from? May God bless you
and your family and ministry at this wonderful time of celebration of the birth
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I look forward to hearing from you as soon
as possible because this is just driving me nuts not being able to remember it.
Leon's Response
Question #93
What was in the ark of God?
Moses wrote the book of Deuteronomy except
one chapter: which chapter?
Who among the Israelite judges was left
handed?
In which book is the Word of God likened
to a mirror?
Which of the books was gods name not
mentioned?
Who performed the first surgical operation
on earth?
Mention the longest name in the Bible.
Who was the disciple that Jesus loved?
Leon's Response
Question #92
How do you respond to someone who says
that "baptism is a work, and since we are not saved by works baptism is not
necessary for salvation"? I don't personally see it as a work but I do not
know how to put into words. My thoughts on baptism is that it is a ceremony
symbolizing our faith, belief, and acceptance of God's grace...i.e. we are
accepting the life and gifts He offers us. I heard a man once relate baptism to
a wedding ceremony. Am I right in this thinking? Thank you.
Leon's Response
Question #91
When Jesus was on the cross during the
crucifixion, did he save the two thieves? If so, is that found in the
Bible in the New Testament? Where?
Also, the church of Christ is a New
Testament church, meaning that we live by the New Law. If the answer to
the above question is found in the New Testament, then the two thieves were not
baptized so how could they have been saved?
Leon's Response
Question #90
What is the name of Lot's wife
who was turned into a pillar of salt?
Leon's Response
Question #89
Question:
1. Paul was a
"businessman" as a "tentmaker," and so were Aquila and
Priscilla. Is it wrong for the leaders of the church to encourage brethren to
run businesses to help and support the Lord's work?
2. The Lord emphasized
"sacrificial giving." Would all other ways to raise funds (not
gambling or any evil way of raising fund)to help build the church or finance the
Lord's work be considered evil and unscriptural?
3. Our country is poor and many
members in the Lord's church earn at least $4 (four dollars) a day with an
average of 5 children. Most of the congregations in our area are struggling with
this situation. Now, two congregations met together to discuss their problem
about building their church building (Which is made of coconut lumber (poor
quality) and grass roof). Congregation A decided to support congregation B to
help them build their meeting place for a year. After the building is finished
in a year, Congregation B will start helping A also to build their church
building. Some accused us and called this "money scheme." Is this
system of cooperation between two congregation unscriptural?
Leon's Response
Question #88
Is it sinful to dance?
I am a member of a Church of Christ, and most everybody
who is a member of a Church of Christ around here believes that dancing is sin.
If it is, could you please show me where the Bible says it is? If it is not, do
you know where they are getting that it is sin? I know that the Prodigal Son
parable talks of the dancing at the party for the return of the son, but I have
never seen where it says it is a sin. I know some types of dancing are obvious
sin, but I don't see why these people are saying that even harmless dancing is
sin. Thank you.
Leon's Response
Question #87
Can you please comment on the Lord's Supper? Do we have
instructions on how often we are to take it? Also does the Bible instruct us
regarding taking it on a particular day of the week? Does it have to be on
Sundays? Thanks.
Leon's Response
Question #86
The other day in Sunday School, my friend said she thinks
that women should be allowed to be pastors of churches, and preach at services.
But, our teacher said that they shouldn't, because men are the ones who normally
do it, and should do it. I read in the Bible that all people, including women,
can preach and prophecy about God, but can women really not be pastors of
churches?
Leon's Response
Question #85
My grandma is not a Christian. She has Alzheimer's and has
had it for about 5 years. Does this mean that it is too late for her? Or can a
person backtrack from the age of accountability?
Leon's Response
Question #84
Regarding Question #83, could you please send a more
detailed answer.
Leon's Response
Question #83
My question is: are the different churches moving closely
together?
Leon's Response
Question #82
I was once baptized with the International Church of
Christ. I'm now attending the church of Christ of new testament church of
Christ. The minister instructed me that before I can be apart of the new
testament church of Christ I had to be re-baptized. Is this true according to
the Bible? If so what scriptures do you use to prove this?
Leon's Response
Question #81
What does the Bible say about killing someone out of self
defense? What about the defense of someone else?
Leon's Response
Question #80
I just discovered your web site today and have read most
of the questions addressed to your and your very competent answers. It seems
that there is tremendous interest in subjects such as baptism, instrumental
music and observance of communion on the first day of the week, as well as the 5
steps to salvation as taught by our churches of Christ.
God is omniscient and certainly would have known that
these questions would arise. His intelligence is exponentially beyond our
comprehension. My question is, "Knowing that these issues would arrive and
be a source preventing unity, why would God not have directed that these topics
be explained in such a manner that would leave absolutely no room for doubt? For
example, He could have simply had the spirit to direct one or more authors of
the new testament to say, "Baptism is necessary for salvation." He
could have simply commanded the all Christians partake of the Lord's supper on
the first day of the week. He could have said, "Do not sing with
instrumental music."
He went to so much trouble to let His Son die on that
horrible cross.
Why would His Truths be so hard to "dig" out of
the Bible?
I hope the question isn't too confusing. I'm thanking you
in advance because I know you'll answer in a prayerful and thoughtful manner.
Leon's Response
Question #79
Why would God keep silent about something that would
jeopardize our salvation, like playing music in church?
Leon's Response
Question #78
How does the Bible view Weight
Loss by Hypnosis?
Leon's Response
Question #77
I am totally positive, that
masturbation is a sin? Also, the use of condoms, birth control, etc., while
you're married is too. Because children are a gift of God, not a curse. To add
to that, I am confused with Leviticus chapter 15? What a strange passage of
scripture.
Leon's Response
Question #76
What is the role of women in the
church? Should culture play a part in making this decision? We usually think it
should when it comes to greeting one another with a holy kiss or wearing a head
covering. What about serving as preachers, elders, etc., in our culture?
Thanks.
Leon's Response
Question #75
What do you believe concerning
suicide? Don't get me wrong, I'm not considering it or anything. I'm just
curious if the Bible ever mentions whether or not it's a sin. Could this be the
unpardonable sin the New Testament talks about? (I can't remember where).
Thanks.
Leon's Response
Question #74
What is conveyed in Zechariah
9:14-17?
Leon's Response
Question #73
Can you now explain Mathew
24:40-41?
Leon's Response
Question #72
Can you explain Mathew 24:20?
Leon's Response
Question #71
Was Bathsheba guilty of sin;
could she have refused the King?
Leon's Response
Question #70
I would like to know how do you
witness to a person that says they do not believe in God, at all; and they think
that the Bible is fictional. Can you please help? If possible, can you give me
scriptural references.
Leon's Response
Question #69
Who
is YAHWEH?
Leon's Response
Question #68
Is
it Scriptural to have entertainment at fellowships, such as bands?
Leon's Response
Question #67
I appreciate your willingness to research and
answer the questions on this forum as I have learned
and gained more insight to specific Biblical matters.
My question is, did Jesus know specifically that
Judas would be his betrayer upon his selection of the Apostles, or, did
he know that one of them had a devil and it
was not revealed to him which one it was
until just prior to the event that was to
take place? Also, if sin is sin before God, then why would Jesus not pray for
the forgiveness of Judas vs.
those who crucified him?
Leon's Response
Question #66
Hello
there, and thanks for listening to my question. First off I'd like to say that
you have a good way of explaining these kind of matters, and I totally respect
that. I am in agreement with you on almost every scriptural matter (I'm still
not so sure about instrumental music or not taking the Lord's Supper every week
being wrong), and I'd like your input on a question that I don't guess anyone
but God can answer. What is your take on people (such as tribes in Africa for
instance) who have never heard the gospel of Jesus? Do you think God will punish
them? I along with my friends have been wondering about this for some time now,
and that maybe God would consider them as children--not knowing what sin was
since they had no knowledge of God's law. Also for another example, the people
in the middle ages--they had no ability to read, nor was there anyone to teach
them. They had to go off of what other people told them about Christianity, so
they had no way of knowing if they were doing the right things or not. Also
please apply this to people in denominational churches. Do you think God will
punish them for worshipping contrary to His word if they are truly seeking to
serve God, and just don't know any better? Thanks for your time.
Leon's Response
Question #65
Does
the bible speak on birth control?
Leon's Response
Question #64
I
want to know if I can get married again if I am divorced. I was married to my
first husband and he was killed in an automobile accident. I married my second
husband and we had a lot of problems. He used me for my money and would not help
me with anything. He had 2 children of his own that I tried to take care of. He
would not make them mind. He would not help me pay the bills. When we married, I
really wanted a family. I got pregnant and had a little girl. He didn't want any
more children but I did. I wanted a family and children. Things just got worse.
I developed medical problems from the stress of worrying about how to take care
of the bills and children. I begged him to help me out. I prayed and prayed. I
asked my husband if he would go with me to a marriage counselor, but he said no.
I had to do something to save what little I had left and I had a daughter to
think about, so we divorced. I have been divorced for 6 years now. I have met a
man who I really care a lot about. I did not attend church as I should have
done. I never did understand the bible and its true meaning during my life. I
went to church at a Methodist church growing up with my parents. After I was
grown, I steered away from church. I started going to a church down the road
from my house. It is Church of Christ. I am trying to learn more about the
Bible. It is hard. Since I did get divorced, what must I do to be able to marry
again. Will God ever forgive me for getting a divorce or is all lost?? I really
need to know what to do. This man I have met was raised up in the Church of
Christ. I am just learning about some of this. I know that we are not supposed
to get divorced, but I had to take care of my child and home. Will God hold this
against me for the rest of my life?? Please let me
know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leon's Response
Question #63
Is
anal sex a sin and also is oral sex a sin between a man and woman who are
married? I would also like to know if oral sex between two people who are not
married is a sin.
Leon's Response
Question #62
I have always
believed when a young man becomes a
Christian, he should then be taught by a man instead of a woman
in bible study classes. Is this just traditional or is it
scriptural?
Leon's Response
Question #61
Does God still
hear my prayers and will he answer them even though I've not yet been baptized?
Leon's Response
Question #60
My question is in regards to prayer,
as I am seeking to pray in the right manner. The short of it is the things I
pray that are spiritual in nature seem to have doors fall down and open with
such ease that it is borderline scary. Now, I have prayed diligently for answers
regarding my health and personal life that seem to be sealed shut. Any thoughts
or guidance is appreciated.
Leon's Response
Question #59
Of whom does the Paul speak in 2 Thessalonians
2:8 when he refers to the "lawless one?"
I have heard numerous answers from "The
Pope" to someone who was apostatizing the church at that time. Please
include in your response how this does or does not fit in with the second coming
of Christ as mentioned at the beginning of the chapter.
Leon's Response
Question #58
Kindly
explain about the infant baptism and its wrong teachings and practices and also
about the Psalm 51 especially about the words of David about the sin.
Leon's Response
Question #57
Is it appropriate to worship Christ?
Can we sing the songs of praises to Jesus Christ in our worship?
Leon's Response
Question #56
I am currently
in a study with my younger brother. He does not believe that there is a waiting place for
those who die, I believe there is. I believe there is a
place called Paradise and a place called Hades for those
who await judgment. If I am correct, where can I find
proof of this to back my belief? I remember reading up on
this, however, I can't remember where. Also, he doesn't
look at the story of the rich man and poor man being an example. He says that it is a parable, so you can't
take it like it says. Thanks so much.
Leon's Response
Question #55
Rule of elders
(opinion), how far can an elder go in giving his opinion?
Leon's Response
Question #54
Was Jesus just a
prophet, or a philosopher?
Leon's Response
Question #53
Is Psalms 150 a command authorizing
the use of instruments in worshiping and praising God? It seems so.
Leon's Response
Question #52
Why do people sometimes find it difficult to
believe there will be a final judgment? Why did God give David three choices in
1 Chronicles 21:8-20 and what had David done that was so sinful?
Leon's Response
Question #51
Can
a person pray for the love and salvation of a loved one and know that God will answer that prayer because He said that if we pray
anything according to His will He will do it? Or does this
fall under the category of God not
forcing His will on anyone?
Leon's Response
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