Question #200
I have read all of your questions and answers and while a part of my situation fits not all of it does. My question is:  I was married for a good number of years and in 1987 I started to study with a member of the Church of Christ and in 1988 I was baptized. In 1993 I left my husband who was a non believer and thought as well as his and my family, that the Church of Christ was a cult. He told me before I left that he had fooled around, the main reason I left him was because he was so abusive to me as well as the children. I got divorced in 1994. Now I am coming to my question, I met a descent guy. We talked a lot and got along well. I did everything he said over time. If he said I shouldn't talk to so and so I didn't, if he said I couldn't go somewhere I didn't, if he said I couldn't work wherever I didn't, you get the picture. I was with him for. He talked about marriage and even living together. At any rate, I had his child. I know it was wrong to give in to temptation. He talked about getting married again. I told him I wasn't sure then he brought up living together. I told him that was not an option. So he stayed at his place and I stayed at mine. We continued our relationship for a number of years after. Although he was not happy that I would not sleep with him again. Finally I told him after Christmas that I no longer wanted to be with him. He did not like that I decided I had to do what was right for me and my kids. He is Catholic and thinks I am wrong. He is very selfish and self centered. He tells me that God was putting words in my head to destroy him. At any rate, I ask God to forgive me for such a terrible sin. I always felt God's presence in my life. But after being with this guy it is like he killed my spirit and I don't know if God hears me. I feel that He is far from me. How can I know God hears me and has forgiven me?

Leon's Response

Question #199
I am troubled in my heart after hearing on the TV this judge has declared the pledge "under God" is unconstitutional and will not be allowed. All this because of one man! I pray for him. But it troubles my soul that we have gone so far and allowed this to happen to a country founded on our beliefs in God. What can I do? I pray God won't give up on America and I am ashamed at what is happening today. We must return to Biblical principals and stand fast or suffer loss. How can we get this message out and who do we let know of our thoughts?

Leon's Response

Question #198
1. Does Isaiah 65:17-25 describes a millennial earth or the final eternal new earth?  In verse 20 death is mentioned, dispensationalist say this cannot be a description of the final new earth but must apply to the millennium.   Is Isaiah telling us here that there will be death on the new earth?

2. Premillennialist say that Satan is not presently bound because there is so much wickedness and death. they say Satan was judged at the cross but will be bound in the future for a thousand years.  A millennialist responds by saying that Satan is bound but limited in some activities so that he can no longer prevent the gospel from spreading to all the nations of the world. But doesn't Satan prevent some from believing the gospel? 2 Cor. 4:4 but Premillennialist also have a problem because during the supposed future millennium when Satan is totally bound there will still be as many as the sand of the sea who where deceived while Satan was totally bound during the thousand years. I never heard a millennialist use this argument for their case. God bless!

Leon's Response

Question #197
Can you please explain lawsuits and is it wrong for Christians to be involved in a lawsuit? I have read 1 Corinthians 6 but do not understand? I’m very concerned about this matter.

Leon's Response

Question #196
If you are baptized, then commit a sin, do you have to be baptized again? Or do you just ask God for forgiveness?

Leon's Response

Question #195
I just came back from an amazing youth rally that uplifted me and helped me to better my relationship with God. How can I make this relationship last with the intensity that it began?

Leon's Response

Question #194
I understand baptism to be a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It is also a washing away of your sins. If that is true, why was Christ himself baptized.

Leon's Response

Question #193
So, in reference to question #190, if you have been baptized for the remission of your sins, do you have to attend a congregation of the church of Christ to go to heaven?

Leon's Response

Question #192
My husband has a painful rare incurable disease. He asked one of the elders after Wed. night Bible study to get the other elders and pray over him. After a period of five and one half weeks the elder called and told my husband he was having difficulty getting all the elders together "since they were only part time elders and not full time, hoping one day they could become full time elders". My husband told him, he did not want to impose and that was alright. We have since started worshipping elsewhere. The hurt is deep. My father was an elder for a large congregation in the mid-west and I can remember him leaving the dinner table or his warm bed to minister the needs when called on. I, as his wife, see the hurt this has inflicted on both of us. Should something be said, or do we keep silent for the good of the Church?

Leon's Response

Question #191
How would you explain the Nature of Sin, is it inherited or learned?

Leon's Response

Question #190
Do ONLY members of the church of Christ get to go to heaven? My sister used to be a member of the church of Christ but is now a very strong Methodist and she is closer to God now than she has been in her whole life. She is a true Christian and believes that you do need to be baptized to be saved. Please help me with this confusion. I find it hard to believe that only a select few will go to heaven. Some of my best friends of other churches are very good Christians and have been baptized. Could it be that anyone who believes, repents, and is baptized for the remission of their sins from any church is a part of Christ's church? I'm very confused. I have been a member of the church of Christ for many years but have always struggled with this. Please enlighten me. Thank you for your time.

Leon's Response

Question #189
Will you please explain the act of living in adultery and what Christ would have us to do. Is there forgiveness?

Leon's Response

Question #188
I am a Christian and am divorced, with small children. My ex-husband suffered with mental illness and would not agree to help. As far as I know, he was never unfaithful to me, but I reached a point when I couldn't continue in the situation. I am striving to walk with God and to seek His will, as I have throughout my ordeal. I have met a wonderful Christian man and want to get married again. I feel like he is such a blessing to me and my children, but I can't seem to stop worrying that I might be condemned for marrying again. Do you think God's grace would cover my situation?

Leon's Response

Question #187
In reference #183 you speak of Satan falling because of transgression. Does that mean that once we get to heaven we can still fall and be sent to hell?

Leon's Response

Question #186
In the book of Timothy, elders' qualifications are given. It starts with the husband of one wife. Were there men with more wives than one in the first century? If so, the statement could apply to it. Or was the writer speaking of a man who had been divorced? It would be possible (one wife) meaning a number, to have had reference to a man having several or more than 'one'. The reason for the question being a man was not qualified because he had been married and divorced , so many thought him not qualified. Although he had only one wife. The members found the context to be within (divorced men) and not (multiple wives). Plainly if you are divorced under God's allowance you have only one wife.

Leon's Response

Question #185
While conversing with a friend (who is a Baptist) I mentioned that the "basis" (may not be the proper word to use) of the Church of Christ belief is the verse in Revelation 18:22-23. "....not taking away from or adding to the word of the Lord....." She acknowledged that to mean that, everything written in the New Testament is to be done without question, exactly as it is written. She went on to ask me, "If this is true, why don't women cover their heads, or why don't you wash people's feet when they enter your home... that is what the Bible says to do."

Leon's Response

Question #184
I am a 32 year old man that was raised in the church of Christ. I started attending the church of Christ because my mother was a member of the Baptist church and I did not understand the shouting and crying when the choir sung their songs, I was about 7 years old and I just did not understand (it scared me). While growing up and learning the bible and the 5 steps of worship, the congregation has had at least 6 ministers since and we just lost another because of the leadership and the way the members treat on another. My ministry is Song leading, I started at the age of 12 and I love it, I know that God gave me a talent to do that and when I lead I do it straight from the heart strictly for God. I don't like it when the congregation makes a difference between song leaders and minister it's like they try to make it a competition or something. I left the church for about 5 years, I'm married now with 5 step children, my wife came from the A.M.E. church. She and 3 of my kids are members of the church of Christ, I have rededicated my life back to the lord and back in the church, but you know, the same nonsense is still going on in that congregation same as it was when I left. It bothers me, we should all be in unity and stop arguing and power struggling. I guess this is not a question but I want to ask you and the rest of my Christian brothers and sisters to pray for me and my family to hang in there and not let the people take our focus off of God. It is hard but I am trying. I have slacked in song leading, but I am praying to God on that and I feel like I'm ready to start back again. Please pray for me and my family. Oh yeah, My mother has been a member of the Church of Christ for about 17 years now, she is a strong Christian woman that encourages me day and night. I thank God for her. I love the Lord and I know that he is my savior. Thank you Jesus!

Leon's Response

Question #183
In the Old Testament people lived long years. Was the reason this changed because of Eve's sin? I have heard once that Revelation should be the beginning of the Bible, that the fall of the angels came before man was created. If this true, it helps explain where Satan came from but why would God create man to live on earth knowing that He had given Satan free rein? Can you explain to me if it is true about Revelation and maybe a little bit about the very beginning, (not mans creation)? I know God always was, but do you think the angels always were?

Leon's Response

Question #182
How do you explain 1Corinthians15:29 which states "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?" Your thoughts will be appreciated on this difficult passage.

Leon's Response

Question #181
I have recently begun dating a woman who I have grown to love very much. Unfortunately I have found out that she is a member of the wiccan religion. We have had heated discussions about our beliefs, and though I'm studying the Bible and searching everywhere for clues about how to approach this situation, I'm having a difficult time. I realize that the Bible warns us about associating ourselves with these people, but I also believe that we need to witness to these people. What I am looking for is insight as to how to help her find the truth without also showing myself as a Christian to be someone who argues and gets angered and points fingers, because I believe that this will only drive her farther away from the Truth. Thank you for whatever insight you can give or attention you can give to this matter.

Leon's Response

Question #180
Which translation do you prefer? I like the ASV of 1901.

Leon's Response

Question #179
In question #73 you say that now Jesus is referring to the second coming. I have heard it said that "no man knows" would be better translated "no man makes known, the day or the hour but my Father" and that this is still referring to the destruction of Jerusalem. And that in fact it is made known that the destruction is getting very near in the book of Hebrews. And possibly in the book of the John.

Leon's Response

Question #178
Is it okay to have sex with a girl if your not married?

Leon's Response

Question #177
The children of David: Does the Bible give all of their names and which ones were half brothers and sisters?  Concerning the rape of the sister, was it by a half brother? Also, what are the names of the brothers of Jesus Christ our savoir?

Leon's Response

Question #176
Your Q&A # 45 discusses the subject of music during services scripturally and should be sufficient and any sincere questioner will look on the answer with sincerity. There however are so many proofs of bible truths outside the scriptures that, if known to be true, should have an added impact on the answer.  One such proof (like many gotten from the internet ) that impresses me is the fact that the church supposedly did not use instrumental music for some 600 years of its early existence but I do not know whether this is true or not. This is a biblical question with a historical answer but to your knowledge is this historically true? You may reword this anyway you desire should you want to publish it. The internet is a wonderful means of communication but can be misleading and I use this point yet don't know that it is historically true.

Leon's Response

Question #175
Can a New Testament disciple of Jesus Christ "defend" himself (i.e., attacker in a park), his family (home intruder) or country (military duty), by any means (i.e., weapons) if that person/country has the willful intent to do serious bodily harm or kill? Also, does one have the right to kill under one's military obligation to defend and protect the constitution of the U.S. (government)? I have always struggle with this one, especially, about how one can destroy life if one did not create it? I understand that God creates and destroys according to his purpose and the Bible contains many examples.

Leon's Response

Question #174
Lately, the issue of the use of a Praise Team in our public worship services has come up. Some say it would enhance our song service, while others say it would be a form of entertainment, no different than a chorus or quartet to sing during our worship service. I can see both sides of the argument. I can see where it would be easier to teach new songs to the congregation using a group that already knows all the different parts so we can follow them in our singing. However, I can see where this could easily become a form of entertainment in our assemblies. I sincerely want to do what is right in our worship to God. How would you respond to this issue? And even more importantly, does the Bible say anything that would relate to this issue?

Leon's Response

Question #173
I appreciate very much your willingness to answer sincere questions people have regarding the Bible. In 1 Timothy 3:1-13, we are given the qualifications of elders and deacons. I've always wondered why the elder is instructed not to be given to wine, and the deacon is instructed not to be given to much wine. Does this not justify the argument for social drinking? Thank you in advance!

Leon's Response

Question #172
I was having a conversation recently about mediums and channelers. This person says that channeling spirits of the dead is wrong, but its okay to channel the spirit of God. He even said that he believes that the prophets of the Old Testament were mediums for God, and that they channeled God's Spirit. He also believes that when you speak in tongues, that you are channeling the Holy Spirit. I told him about Deuteronomy 18:10-12, which states that those are detestable to the Lord. He still doesn't agree because he claims that God isn't talking about religious channeling. He says that he's talked to religious leaders in his community, and they believe that religious channeling is okay, and Christians can use channeling to channel the Holy Spirit. And so, I was wondering what you thought about this, and why. Thank you for your time.

Leon's Response

Question #171
What is your opinion concerning a woman teaching a bible class consisting of adult men and women in a "side class room" while a man is teaching a class in the main auditorium?

Leon's Response

Question #170
I am a father of two children (12 & 13). I went to Methodist church as a child, but stopped going when I reach adulthood. I didn't stop for any particular reason, just decided that I didn't need church in my life. I consider myself a good person, very giving and very concerned for others and always willing to help others.....bottom line, I feel that I have been a good role model for them.

Leon's Response

Question #169
I truly appreciate your time and thoughtful answer to my question concerning the holy spirit. I have some specific questions concerning 1 Corinthians 14. Again, I have been studying this passage for some time now, and have really been seeking truth in the matter. I understood your interpretation of the scriptures and it really makes sense to me. So, I'm going to throw just a few more your way in hopes that I can finally put this issue to rest in my mind. In verse 26 of Cor. 14, it states several things that must be done for the strengthening of the church. However, do they still have a role in the church today? Are we weak because we do not possess all these characteristics in our assembly time? Second, in verse 28, it states that if there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. Why would this be necessary to speak in a tongue alone with God? What is this talking about? Finally in verse 39, it says not to forbid speaking in tongues, but that everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. Are we in the churches of Christ forbidding something that shouldn't be forbidden?

Leon's Response

Question #168
What is your interpretation of 2 Thessalonians 2, in reference to the anti-Christ and the hindrance being removed?

Leon's Response

Question #167
I happened upon your web-site question and answer page and have really appreciated your answers and your willingness to address tough questions. I have grown up in the church of Christ, and attended a Christian university, but still struggle with the role of the holy spirit in the church and the individual Christian. I would love to hear your understanding of 1 Corinthians 12 (gifts of holy spirit) and 1 Corinthians 14 (orderly worship including speaking in tongues, revelations, etc.). I have heard the interpretation that the gifts died along with the apostles, but I can't really find the scriptural basis for that explanation. I have been seeking truth on these issues about a year and a half now, and still haven't reached total peace with it yet. I just want to know if the holy spirit still empowers people today to experience miraculous things. I would appreciate a response from you. Thank you for your time.

Leon's Response

Question #166
Sometimes it seems hard to reconcile the New Testament with the Old Testament. Christ stated that He is the Son of God and that no one will see the Father but through him. He also said that he did not come to abolish the Law but fulfill it and that anyone relaxing any of the commandments would be held accountable. So, many Christians or would-be Christians stumble here. We are to cheer on Christ when he admonishes the corrupt Jewish leaders, calling them a brood of vipers, and we are to look to Christ and his sacrifice as the beginning of a new covenant with the Lord and an ushering in of an era of Grace. But, we still have to behave like observant Jews? Sorry, I don't get it. But if that's the case, then could you please answer the questions for a good old Gentile like me. Why did God initiate burnt animal offerings in the first place and why were they so meticulous? How can a sacrificed animal atone for sin really? Do I have to give up pork chops and shrimp salad now for fear I'm not observing the laws? What's wrong with wearing blends? What does God mean by commanding the firstborns be reserved for him. And lastly, what's with the cherubim? Thanks, J.E.

Leon's Response

Question #165
Will Christ return before, during, or after the Great Tribulation, and will the church go through it?  What about the Antichrist?  Will he be a false religious prophet, not unlike the false religions we see today?

Leon's Response

Question #164
I know someone who is dying.  I have prayed for him as others do, but he has not lived a Christian life, but he has been baptized.   I have prayed with him and explained to him that he must ask for forgiveness, and he did, and I pray he understands.  Do you think God forgives under this situation?

Leon's Response

Question #163
My question is concerning sin and asking for forgiveness. Can you ask God personally or must you go before the church before you are forgiven? Also the scripture about women and long hair and men and long hair, please explain.

Leon's Response

Question #162
My friend and I came across some literature the other day. The guy says that not keeping the Sabbath is a sin still today. Usually I don't pay much attention to that argument, because I always believed that since the old law was done away with Jesus, that it was not necessary to keep the Sabbath anymore. BUT one of the pamphlet's points was that IF the old law was done away with (and Jesus would have known about this), why did Jesus in Matthew 24:20(I assume he is talking about the destruction of Jerusalem that took place after his death) say "Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath." Why is he still saying that the Sabbath is still a holy day, one in which you cannot "work"? I really didn't know what to think when it pointed that out. I've read that verse dozens of times but never thought about it in that way. Also, I'd like to know all of the grounds that we believe that Sunday is the Lord's day. The pamphlet claims that the churches still worshipped on the Sabbath until the Catholic church moved the worship day to Sunday. Any information you could give us would be helpful.

Leon's Response

Question #161
This may sound silly, but what would be a practical application of "a soft answer turneth away wrath"?

Leon's Response

Question #160
How does the Bible define the role of Christian women, in the home, as well as in society? How is a Christian woman supposed to behave, dress, adorn herself, etc... according to Bible verses? Also, what does the Bible say about women, marriage, and divorce? (Please include Biblical references only, not personal opinions.)

Leon's Response

Question #159
In reference to Acts 20:28, "....which he has purchased w/his blood." and Eph. 1:14 "...which is the earnest of inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession..." Does the Ephesians scripture say that Christ will redeem the church or that Christ will return for his church (the Church of Christ)? If not, what is Eph. 1:14 saying? If not, what New Testament scripture informs me, (a member of the church), that Christ will return for the saints in the Church as opposed returning for denominational churches?

Leon's Response

Question #158
Recently a large church in my area began a Saturday night worship service. They currently have 5 services on Sunday. What does scripture say in this regard? Is it acceptable in light of scripture? The explanation I have heard says that according the Jewish time table, Saturday at 6p became the first day of the week. Is this correct? Obviously the example of the disciples was they met on the first day of the week, but they also met for days at a time in worship didn't they? Any help you can provide would be appreciated.

Leon's Response

Question #157
I am interested in tips on how to tell my minister and religious family members that I am converting to Judaism. There is no need to try to convince me not to convert. That decision is finial and I have already started the conversion process with a rabbi. I am happier now than ever and closer to God. I'm only interested in how to discuss my conversion with others.

Leon's Response

Question #156
I am a believer who has been struggling recently with a difficult addiction to pornography. It seems no matter how hard I try to stay away from it, I fail every time. I have asked many times for help from God to take this temptation from my life and it is a constant struggle. How much I wish I had never given in to this temptation to begin with.

My question is this: Can I be forgiven of this addiction when I continue to fail? I don't want to use his gift of forgiveness as an excuse to continue living in sin, but so far, I have been unable to free myself of this problem. Also, if you have any advice on how to seek counseling or a better way to beat an addiction? I am sure this will apply to other addictive behaviors; i.e. alcoholism or drug addiction.

I know God loves me, despite my sinful nature; but can he continue to forgive me?

Leon's Response

Question #155
I have some questions about the ten tribes of the northern kingdom.

Jacob had twelve sons, but Levi got scattered cities rather than a defined territory. Joseph also received no single territory, but rather a double portion through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh. Thus there were twelve landed tribes. However, Simeon's possession was a scattered one within the confines of Judah (Genesis 49:5-7 and Joshua 19:1, 9). Thus, isn’t there really only a practical total of eleven defined territories to the united kingdoms of Saul, David, and Solomon?

In 1 Kings, chapters 11-12, (especially 11:31, 12:21-23), we see the united monarchy being broken into the ten tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel, and the resulting two tribes (Judah & Benjamin) comprising the southern kingdom called Judah.

Question: Since Benjamin and Judah (including Simeon) were in the southern kingdom, aren't there really only nine tribes in the northern kingdom? I count Asher, Zebulun, Naphtali, Issachar, Dan, Manasseh, Gad, Ephraim, and Reuben. Could the two half-tribes of Manasseh be considered two physical territories?

What do you make of this?

Leon's Response

Question #154
Is masturbation a sin?

Leon's Response

Question #153
I have a question concerning the interpretation of Hebrews 6:4-6. It seems to say that if you fall away, that you cannot "come back". I do not think that is what it exactly means, because of the numerous places in the New Testament where it says to repent/that you can repent. My friend recently went through a period of time where his spiritual life was down. He is scared that this verse means that you literally cannot repent and come back. He wanted me to email you and get your interpretation of the passage.

Leon's Response

Question #152
I have been in a study on prayer. This has helped me grow, my question is can we pray for God to heal ,I know we ask for his hand to be with the doctors etc., but is wrong to ask for healing? One other question I was told we each have been given a gift to use, how do we know what our gift is? Why do we not use fasting and prayer today?

Leon's Response

Question #151
I know that our lives are fulfilled "according to God's purpose"; however, I am wondering does the Bible speak of ways to insure longevity? I know that you should honor your mother and father such that your days should be long. Is it, however, appropriate to ask God for longevity? Do we have a predetermined number of days to live and there is nothing that we can do to change them?

Leon's Response