Question #150
Am I following the teachings of the New Testament if I attend a Church of Christ that has no elders or deacons but has men qualified to serve?

Leon's Response

Question #149
Will we have specific jobs in heaven and will we be doing any of things that we love to do here on earth?

Leon's Response

Question #148
How would you respond to someone who says they don't believe in "organized" religion?

Leon's Response

Question #147
Are homosexuals born gay? If not, could you give scripture and verse to prove that?

Leon's Response

Question #146
According to the Bible, when we die we either go to Paradise (Abraham’s Bosom) or Tartarus (Torments). Paradise references are Luke 16:25, Luke 28:43, and Acts 2:27,28. Tartarus references are Jude 6, Luke 16:23-25, II Peter 2:4, and Luke 10:15. The great gulf fixed between reference is Luke 16:26.  I understand and believe all of the above. My question to you is, “At that point, have we not already been judged?” There is an obvious separation when death occurs. That separation must involve some kind of judgment. The final judgment will come when Christ returns and the earth ends.

Could that “final judgment” change the outcome of the previous judgment of Paradise or Tartarus? If so, does that mean there are souls waiting in Paradise that will end up in Hell (and vice-versa)?  I obviously know that once we die, there is no repentance of our sins. So, I know that we can’t change our destiny once we die. It will be up to the grace and mercy of our Lord.

Leon's Response

Question #145
In question #143, you mention Hebrews 6:4-6, please explain impossible to come back, I thought the Lord would always allow you to come back. How does this happen?

Leon's Response

Question #144
I recently ran across a new argument (at least new to me) attempting to justify mechanical instruments of music in our worship of God today. It is taken from Psalm 45, specifically verse 8 -- "All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad" (NIV). This argument basically says that since this Psalm is Messianic, dealing with the Christ and His kingdom, then it proves that Jesus delights in stringed instruments in His kingdom as praise to Him. I would appreciate your comments.

Leon's Response

Question #143
Can you give some scriptural references as to a person being able to fall from grace? Is it possible or not?

Leon's Response

Question #142
Can you define the word discern for me as it is used in Hebrews 4:12? And what is, if there is one, the Greek word for it?

Leon's Response

Question #141
I first have a statement I wish you to comment on then a question. As with many churches we have become slack in many areas, Lately our class topic has been on how we as [Christians] can do better. This has led some of us to think that part of becoming complacent is due to not knowing the truth. It seems that some who have come from the denominational world (as I did) and were added to the church are more on fire than the ones who were born into [the church], meaning those who have just traditionally followed their families seem to become the ones who are just there. And those who have been added to the church by their choice from other beliefs need the word to be proven to them and they go after the truth with a burning desire. This could be the root of our problem of complacency .Maybe more time should be spent into knowing that our kids at some point need to be sat down point blank and find out what they know. Not always assuming that because they have grown up in [the church] they know. I know when I was a child going to church was just a ritual, something to do! Now the question I had is this, we take pride in being the church that wears Christ's name (church of Christ) but it seems that Christ is not his name, Christ is a title, it is the description of Jesus, He is the anointed One. Jesus is His name. We are the blood-bought church that wears His name. I believe this. But shouldn't it be the church of Jesus or church of Jesus Christ. It's kind of a scary thought but Satan is called the anti-Christ. Leaving out Jesus could also be a part of the Church's breakdown.

Leon's Response

Question #140
I have several questions, none of them are directly related, just as I study I write them down. I hope you can help!

1. On communion, we are to do this with a clean heart that we may not bring damnation to our souls, but then it states that we are all sinners who fall short and are not worthy. Doesn't that seem confusing?

2. My husband and I are members of church. We visit other churches (churches of Christ) quite often. We are constantly being ragged about this from what is called the "home congregation", I don't see the problem! The good books never states anything about a home church, in fact just paraphrasing it talks of them going out to teach and preach the gospel all over the world, It said the Son of man had no where to lay his head. We feel very comfortable visiting different churches of Christ! Who thought of this home congregation stuff?

4. In the beginning, and even hundreds of years later, it was not sinful to marry ones own family. When did this change and become incest?

5. I understand the Christians man's authority and a woman not being permitted to preach, but what I don't understand is why are women in the church not allowed to even work in the worship service ? All work doesn't require a man to preach. You can usher, read scripture, and even lead singing. My question on this, I guess, is, is it just tradition or is this point biblical?

6. Does giving necessarily always mean giving money? Can you give in serving for instance?

7. You answered a question about women serving earlier, (as deacons etc.). You used 1 Tim. 3, a reference (qualifications) you stated wasn't intended for a woman because it said being husband of one wife, but I just wonder sometimes if this to often gets misinterpreted. The bible has referred time and time again about mankind thus referring to all, men and woman, Ex., Mark 16:16 He who believes Etc, here he is used in reference to all who believe. So it is possible that it means whoever being with one or the other?

Leon's Response

Question #139
I have yet another question to ask.

Me and my wife are Christians, and members of the church. I've been married for seven years, and have one daughter. My wife, who was previously married, just brought up the notion that we may be living in sin because of our marriage.

Her husband left her after a few months of marriage, and did not return. I met her before her legal divorce, we were together, and I married her within a month or so of her legal divorce. Are we living in sin by being married? Is her first marriage still ongoing and is our marriage non-existent in the sight of God? Thank you for your time, and God bless.

Leon's Response

Question #138
I have really enjoyed reading your Q&A. My question may step on some toes but I have to ask. Let me give you a little background. I was raised in the church and attended a conservative congregation, now that I am a grown woman my husband and I have moved and attend another conservative congregation. I am not happy here. Things have changed. The church is not close, although very small. They seem to be going through the motions just to get from one service to the next. I am not blaming the members of this congregation for my feelings, however I do feel that it has lead me to feel the way I do. These members do not seem to have compassion for one another. There is very little fellowship outside of the Sunday/Wednesday services. My dilemma.  I have considered changing my membership to a liberal congregation. What exactly is the difference? I have never been taught, just told the liberal are different. Why? Is is sinfully different, or a matter of opinion that is not based on the scripture? Due to my recent feelings toward the congregation I attend as a whole my family has neglected to attend church services as we should. In fact I find it to be trying to make myself get ready and drive 5 minutes down the road. I know this is wrong but in my heart I feel if I am not happy with the congregation and that it is time to move on. Sorry to ramble so much. Thanks in advance for your response.

Leon's Response

Question #137
When Seth, Adam and Eve's third son, went to find a wife in Nod, where did the people of Nod come from?

Leon's Response

Question #136
Does the soul have mass?

Leon's Response

Question #135
Maybe you can help me answer a question.

I am familiar with the different beliefs of many different churches including what the church of Christ believes. I believe that each individual member of any given church sincerely believes that their interpretation of the Bible is correct. Obviously everyone can't be correct because many beliefs of different churches are contradictory. Some say you have to be baptized (as you believe) others say it's not necessary. Some say once saved always saved while others say (as you do) that isn't the case.

My question isn't who is right and who is wrong but why did God allow the Bible to be written in such a way as to lead to so many sincere (Baptists are just as sincere in their belief as you are) interpretations? God is omniscient so he had to know the Bible as it was written was going to cause many to interpret it in different ways, each believing their way is correct.

Consider the plan of salvation as you believe it (hear, believe, repent, confess, baptism). Why didn't he just have one of the writers of the Bible list those steps in order in one book and one chapter. You have to admit to show someone the plan of salvation you have to jump from book to book. One little verse here out of the entire Bible and then another little verse there. Is it any wonder there are so many different interpretations?

So again, God having known there was going to be a lot of sincere misinterpretations, why didn't He do something about it? And knowing that He knew there were going to be so many misinterpretations (he had to or he wouldn't be omniscient) and He didn't do anything about it can you blame those that misinterpret the Bible?

Leon's Response

Question #134
Regarding Women's role, I know in I Cor. 14 and in I Tim 2 it makes very clear guidelines in regards to woman teaching over a man and in the worship setting. But my question is what defines a worship setting? Does that include a Bible class or devotional? Secondly please define "teaching over a man" ? This is any instruction where a man might learn anything. I have really been studying this and would like more insight.

Thank you!

Leon's Response

Question #133
In our Wednesday night bible class we are talking about giving. Our minister said giving was an individual thing and that money should not be taken out of the Church treasury to give to people. He said that if a member sees another in need and wants to help them then that is okay. But it is not scriptural to take money out of the treasury to help people. Is he correct and if so could you give me scripture. 

Leon's Response

Question #132
Is it OK for women to become ordained ministers or to become deacons in the church?

Leon's Response

Question #131
This is in reference to Question #130. The bible says that to divorce and put away your wife except for fornication and to marry another is adultery. If the man divorced his wife for reasons other than biblical then does he really qualify to be an elder. Wouldn't he be living in adultery? I'm asking you because now I'm really confused. 

Leon's Response

Question #130
An elder was recently chosen to serve at my home congregation. He has been married to his wife for 30+ years and they have grown children together and he has been a servant in the church for most of his life now. He is a great elder. but I know that when he was younger in his early 20's he was married and got a divorce for reasons other than biblical. Is it right for him to remain an elder and if not then what should be done?

Leon's Response

Question #129
What is the meaning of Philippians 3:7-8?

Leon's Response

Question #128
I need some help, I have a friend a member of the church dating a man also a member . The problem is about playing music with a band in night clubs. He feels there is nothing wrong with this even though he is approached by women. She feels this could be a serious problem for them and was raised that this isn't where you need to be. Please give me some advice I know everyone feels differently about this kind of situation but as a Christian what is the right thing to do?

Leon's Response

Question #127
I have a question concerning Creation. I'll start by saying I am a believer. How does one explain the dinosaurs and other scientific "theories" that the earth is million of years old? I have seen/read many different theories (both theological and scientific) from both sides of the coin. I saw on your site an advertisement of a speaker who has spoken at your church on the subject, and was wondering if you could give some info on this subject (or site/books I could read about it). Thanks for your time.

Leon's Response

Question #126
How does one find scriptural information on marriage and divorce and remarriage?

Leon's Response

Question #125
I am a member of the church , I have friends of other faiths.  My question is, "How will they be judged when the Lord returns?" They have such strong faiths and pray from their hearts wonderful prayers.  It troubles me.

Leon's Response

Question #124
Can you please explain living in adultery to me and what one must do.

Leon's Response

Question #123
When and how was Mark 9:1 fulfilled?

Leon's Response

Question #122
I have been a believer for a long time. I also believe in a literal 6 day creation. Tonight I was reading through the beginning of Genesis and something caught my attention. (I checked both bibles I had access to, K.J. and N.L.T.)

God blessed them and told them, "multiply and fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals." And God said "Look! I have given you the seed bearing plants throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And i have given all the grasses and other green plants to the animals and birds for their food." (this was all on the 6th day. man was created and alive. the vegetation had been created on the 3rd day)

When the Lord God made the heavens and the earth, there were no plants or grain growing on the earth, for the Lord God had not sent any rain. And there was no one to cultivate the soil.

Genesis 2:7

And the Lord God formed a man's body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And the man became a living person.

Now I am not a scholar, and I have argued vehemently that there are no contradictions in the Bible. But these 2 passages seem to be contradicting themselves. This is really causing me some problems. I was in the bed and couldn't take it anymore. I had to get up and try to find someone to help me.) Can you help explain this to me?

Leon's Response

Question #121
What is the meaning of the Q source theory and what is the prevailing opinion of the Church of Christ regarding it?

Leon's Response

Question #120
I met an unbeliever 5 years ago who was separated with kids. He is now legally divorced and is opened to God's word. I'm in a dilemma on whether it's right to marry him. Am I committing adultery ? Please help as this has caused me a lot of grief and anxiety. Thank you.

Leon's Response

Question #119
I have a question for you that I hope you will be able to answer. I have yet to find an answer for my questions...

In the ancient times laws were strict when in regards to behavior, living, morals, etc. The Judeo-view of uncleanliness and the law along with the middle eastern culture most definitely had an influence on the cultures/religion that sprang from the region.

1) How can one separate God's word from the influential views of man? Man is fallible. God is infallible. In regards to salvation we consider the Bible to be most accurate, (there are logistical as well as biological inaccuracies in the Bible but we still believe that with matters of salvation, there can be no error).

2)How do we separate the Bible's messages from ancient culture and apply them to modern day? (obviously, not everything in the Bible applies to our culture)

Leon's Response

Question #118
I have a question regarding the qualifications for Elder and Deacon.

If a man has been married more than once but the divorce was for adultery, according to the scriptures, may he be an Elder or Deacon? Doesn't the Bible say that you can divorce for reason of adultery, but does it say you can remarry?

Leon's Response

Question #117
Please let me know of your group because I was very interested to work with your ministry here in the Philippines. And please give me of your interpretation regarding the biblical way teaching.

Leon's Response

Question #116
Acts tells us that Cornelius and his friends were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, and THEN baptized, doesn't it? If this is so, how can you say baptism is necessary to salvation?

Leon's Response

Question #115
Are there demons behind every statue or idol? Please give me the verse on the Bible.

Leon's Response

Question #114
My first problem is this: I am a church of Christ member that was in love with a non-Christian who had no desire in serving God. So I ended my relationship with him (I am a woman) so that my relationship with God would not suffer. It was the most painful decision I've ever made in my life, since he is the first-and only-man I've ever truly been in love with. That man married another woman last August, and needless to say, I was completely devastated. I was already in serious grief over the deaths of my only brother and grandmother (who died seven months before the wedding), plus I lost my job and I was in two car accidents during this time. However, I was still struggling to hold on to God's will even after all of these tragedies.

At the time, the final straw was this: there was (and is) a Christian guy who has been a member of my home congregation for five years. He has told many members over the years that he is romantically interested in me. I haven't, don't, and (by the grace of God) will never have any romantic interest in this guy. He is nothing more to me than a fellow brother in Christ. Anyway, after explaining this to him (and praying to God), he wouldn't leave me alone. I never led this guy to believe that I cared, I never dated him; I didn't even give him my phone number! (He asked one of the members for my phone number.) He had the nerve to call my home for the first time-the same day that my ex-boyfriend got married! I was extremely angry-but mainly at God at the time. I thought about all of the things that I had given up to serve Him and the losses that He allowed me to suffer and became so bitter that I left the church for almost a year. I returned to the church in May and repented-realizing that the only way I could even begin to recover and cope with my losses is through Christ. Now, even though I've returned to His service, I have (and am currently) in so much grief that I have been unemployed for a year because I do not want to leave my house. As a result I've been seeking home employment for the past three months to pay my bills. The Christian guy is still a member of my congregation, but I can't stand him. He wouldn't leave me alone until very recently, when I spoke to him almost coldly. I hated to speak to him in such a brief manner-but I felt that I had to do so that he would finally get the message.

 I can't afford professional counseling and haven't been able to find someone in my congregation that I could confide in completely and would empathize with my problems-which is why I am grateful that God has led me to this board today. Some members have helped me to deal with the Christian guy. The members are kind and helpful, but it would be wonderful to have one person that I can be completely open with.

 Some questions: would God force me to be in a marriage with a Christian man that I don't love, (some members told me that he was praying for me to become his wife, but I've been praying for God to make him leave me alone)? Can you give scriptures concerning God's view of romantic love?

Thank you for allowing me to pour my heart out.

Leon's Response

Question #113
Can a person go to heaven after being married three times? My first marriage was with an unfaithful spouse many times. After going to my minister for help ,he said unless I could prove at that moment adultery I was stuck. So I left the church divorced and found myself in another abuse marriage but not for thirty something years like my first. since then I have come back to the Lord and ask for forgiveness and do so everyday. I have married a good husband and feel he will become a Christian. I am faithful now but in many sermons I am hearing I am living in sin and am lost. What must I do?

Leon's Response

Question #112
If I have a fish symbol on my car and then I go to a place that serves alcohol and has a live band, in other words a bar, Is it hypocritical to keep the fish sign on my car? Or, is that between me and God?

Leon's Response

Question #111
Our minister, in his sermon on conscience, said he tells people he councils with if they are erring that they are bad. I understand sin separates us from God and when we sin we have to repent and ask for forgiveness, but to tell someone they are bad could make someone feel hopeless. Am I wrong to feel this way? I also have struggled in my lifetime, and if someone had said this to me before I was stronger in my faith I'm unsure what I would have done.

Leon's Response

Question #110
I know the Bible teaches that homosexuality is wrong, but what about those who are born with attractions for that type of life style? Is there anyway for them to live a happy heterosexual life and have a solid Christian home? What do they pray for? Who do they turn to in the church when everyone will condemn it? What do they do when they just want to be like the majority of Christians, but just can't change they way they have always felt?

Leon's Response

Question #109
I am beginning to counsel a friend who has a great deal of analytical questions concerning the Bible. The first comes from Jesus in Matt. 12:40. Here, He states that He will be in the ground for three days and three nights. My friend correctly adds the time from Friday to Sunday. He says that if he can't believe this, he will have a hard time believing the rest. I know we need to walk by faith and not by answers. However, if you could offer me some insight, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

Leon's Response

Question #108
I'm always hearing people speak about God calling them to do something or saying something in the way of, "this is what God wants me to do," or even being told to "listen to the voice of God." I'm beginning to be afraid because I don't understand this voice. I was baptized into the church 2 years ago and I'm still not sure of my purpose. Am I just not listening close enough? Can you give me some advice on what approach I should take? I sure would hate to not hear or understand. This is really resting heavy on my mind and I'm thinking it is also the reason I have not totally committed myself, I truly want to recognize His voice. Thank you.

Leon's Response

Question #107
I have a couple of questions for you:

1. What is your view on Paradise? Do you think this is just another word for Heaven or a different place? Does it still exist today?
2. Do you believe in pre-tribulation rapture or post-tribulation rapture? What scripture do you base your beliefs on?
3. What are a few good Bible verses to use when witnessing to a Mormon?

Leon's Response

Question #106
When the Bible talks about blaspheming the Holy Spirit, does that mean any type of speaking against the Holy Spirit or just a certain type? I keep remembering a time long before I was saved when I cursed the Holy Spirit once when I got very angry because of some things going on in my life. Does this mean that I am not really saved!?

Leon's Response

Question #105
The question I have deals with attending other churches while remaining a strong member of the church of Christ. On Mother's Day my mother asked me and my family to attend worship service with her. She belongs to an A.M.E. church. I still want to think that she and all other people who truly believe in God are saved. And although the worship service is a bit different, they include musical instruments, they commune on the 1st Sunday, and many different other things. We received a wonderful message. Still, keeping in mind that, no we aren't changing churches, and no we don't agree with the way they choose to conduct their services, the message was great. Boy, did we get strange looks when we told our youth minister why we and our children were not at church. My husband and I were even called in to discuss this and why it's wrong. We discussed it, but not in detail. We are going back Friday, I guess for counseling. Is it wrong to visit other denominations? Boy, we are already thought of as the occult! Thanks.

Leon's Response

Question #104
I have been attending a Baptist church for the last six to seven months, and I have been wondering if I'm going against God, for I live with a man which I consider to be my husband and he considers me his wife. We have been with each other for 11 years, we are best friends, and share in each others lives fully. I have searched the Bible for an answer, and have read in several places where it says that a man takes a woman and she becomes his wife. We have made a vow to each other to share our lives, there is just him and I our children are adult age. Is there anywhere in the Bible that states that we have to have a marriage on paper? I feel totally committed to my mate.

Leon's Response

Question #103
Please comment on I Cor.3:12-15. Does this scripture say that there are levels of reward in Heaven? Please reply as soon as possible.

Leon's Response

Question #102
Mr. Barnes, I've just noted your answer to the question about instrumental music in the worship service. While you are correct in that the Bible does not tell us to use instruments of music, it does not say we cannot use them, does it? I would appreciate your explanation.

Leon's Response

Question #101
My question is: I have been a Christian in a very conservative church of Christ for 20 years. My family is very rooted in this church, and I married a "Christian." His family was in the same church as well, so I felt I had made a good choice of a mate. We were married for eight years, and all eight of those years he was extremely controlling and verbally abusive to me. He has some extreme beliefs regarding women's roles and the issue of obedience and submission. After eight years, I left with the understanding until he went to counseling with me, we could not live there for the sake of my two young daughters, ages 13 months and 3 1/2. In less than six weeks, he had filed for divorce, and our divorce was final. He wanted out if I would not "obey" and apologize to his family for leaving. At the time, I believed neither of us could ever remarry, because our divorce was not for adultery, as he publicly stated this at our home congregation.

Five months later, he started dating someone that was not a Christian, and two years after our divorce, he married her. He has changed his position completely, and has abandoned me and the girls, with the exception of paying court-ordered child support. My question is: since we were both "Christians" where does this leave me? If you are already divorced by man's law does it constitute adultery? How do I deal with my family believing I am going to hell if I remarry or date anyone? I am 31 years old and my daughters are only 5 and 7, and desperately want a "dad"... and I can't imagine living the rest of my life alone, but I want to do what is right, whatever that may be. Please help me with this issue. Please give me some scriptures to deal with my family.

Leon's Response