Question #350
Would you please explain the difference in praying to God and praying to Jesus, praising God and praising Jesus, and thanking God and thanking Jesus? John 14:1-14 implies that Jesus and God are one; yet when we pray, we typically pray to God in the name of Jesus. Also, it is not uncommon to hear believers give praise and thanks to Jesus when they receive a blessing. Please help me to reconcile the two. Thank you.

Leon's Response

Question #349
What do you tell people who say, "You Church of Christ people think that you are the only ones that will make it to heaven?"  I've been told by other members of the body that since we are Church of Christ, we are in the right church, or the church that Christ built. Personally, I don't tell people that they are going to hell.

Leon's Response

Question #348
In 1st John chapter 1 verse 7, when we have fellowship one with another, is this the church he is speaking of, and if so, does that mean those who are not in the church, their sins are not forgiven?  It seems as though he is saying he has fellowship with God and being that he is the head of the church and in order to have fellowship with Jesus we have to have fellowship with those that are in the church.

Leon's Response

Question #347
The teenagers at our church download music and swap music with other teens and brush over the fact that it is wrong to do this. How would you explain to them that this is wrong both with our own laws and the laws of God. I know with copyright now days I too even have to examine what I do with DVDs or copying programs from TV. I am not even certain that it is legal for me to take a DVD on Matthew and show it to a class in church.

Leon's Response

Question #346
I have had conflicting explanations given to me regarding consumption of alcohol. One argument says that the Bible only forbids drunkenness and that consumption that does not lead to intoxication is acceptable. The other argument says that any consumption of alcohol is wrong except for medical purposes.

The argument for consumption used the fact that drunkenness is always forbidden but never drinking. Also the argument sites Matthew 11:19 as proof that Jesus consumed alcohol.

The argument against consumption sites Paul's instruction to Timothy to take some wine for his stomachs sake to mean that other consumption is forbidden.

Could you please help clarify what the Bible really teaches on this matter?

Leon's Response

Question #345
I am confused about Matthew 5:31-32. If anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery, then is that sin with them until that marriage is dissolved or how is forgiveness obtained? I am in a marriage similar, if I am or have committed adultery by marrying this man, how do I make things right with God?

Leon's Response

Question #344
Please explain chapter 4:7-8 of I Peter. How does love cover a multitude of sins? The only thought I had was if we deeply love each other we will not want to sin.

Leon's Response

Question #343
In reading Romans 9,especially 1-18, I am confused. What does it mean when it says in verse 18, God will have mercy on who he wants and hardens whom he wants?  Does this mean that some will be lost no matter what they do?

Leon's Response

Question #342
My question is about the thief on the cross. Every time, I talk about water baptism being important and I have questioned others why do they wait for days or even weeks before they are baptized. Is water baptism important? They teach that it is not the water that saves you. They say, well, what about the thief on the cross? He wasn't baptized. I could not say anything to that. I am confused about baptism. I know that Jesus commanded it. Please tell me about the thief on the cross/water baptism.

Leon's Response

Question #341
Read (question) number 45 and the response. I have to ask "How can it be justified at any other time; such as immediately before and after worship?"

Leon's Response

Question #340
Scripturally speaking, is consuming alcohol a sin, even if it is in moderation?

Leon's Response

Question #339
I am reading in Ephesians and I need some understanding of verse 18 of Eph. 6. Do I not pray in the the spirit being I have God's spirit in me at all times?

Leon's Response

Question #338
Please explain Romans 8:28-29, especially verse 29.

Leon's Response

Question #337
Please help me understand 2 Corinthians 6:14. This verse covers everything in a Christian's life's, from marriage to friendships, careers, the world and everything in it. I do understand the part about marriage, mine is of such, It's hard and light and dark and truly doesn't mix on anything. Sometimes I feel helpless.

Leon's Response

Question #336
Could you please explain I Corinthians 7:17 and verse 20. Verse 17 says we should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned and to which God called. Verse 20 says each should remain in the situation which he was when God called.

Leon's Response

Question #335
Can you provide me with scriptural proof that spiritual gifts such as healing, prophecy and talking in tongues no longer exist?

Leon's Response

Question #334
In Ephesians 6:12, in speaking about our fight with Satan, can you explain a little more about this verse and especially about the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms? Thank you.

Leon's Response

Question #333
I find nothing in the scriptures concerning a "home" Church or "placing membership" with a congregation. Many times at the invitation I have seen people come forward to "place membership". I can see nothing wrong with this but I can not find anything scriptural about it either or the necessity for it. This seems to be something that man has started. Your opinion would be appreciated.

Leon's Response

Question #332
My question has to do with Christian music. I understand in the church we use acapella, but I listen to a lot of Christian music on the radio that has musical instruments.  For me this doesn't seem to be wrong, but in a sermon it was said that it is. How is it wrong is my question.

Leon's Response

Question #331
This is a very hard question to ask, but I need some understanding about this. My husband of two years is a Christian but his thoughts are continuously on sex, speaking of it in inappropriate ways and comments about things he sees in the world and television. Sexual jokes and behavior that I feel isn't in form of being a Christian. With this behavior it puts a strain on my feelings. How am I to handle this, I need some guidance and help. Thank you.

Leon's Response

Question #330
Brother Leon, my question concerns the small group classes we are having. I understand that unity is most important but why must we separate the family of believers in homes and other areas?  I understand that the first believers met in homes, but they didn't have a building to come together in. I feel closer to my Father when we are all worshiping together. I love my church family, and yes, I don't know everyone personally, but we are still of kindred hearts and praising God together. I must say we have lost a lot of our members, aren't we going to have to give account for this?

Leon's Response

Question #329
Do you believe in miracles today or will God perform miracles today?

Leon's Response

Question #328
I've been studying the role of women in worship. I have read past responses that you have included regarding this topic. However, I still have a hard time arriving at a conclusion regarding what is "in worship." During Bible times, any time that they would assemble or come together could range from different settings: in homes, synagogues, etc... I don't see how a woman could not speak in what "we call worship" (preaching service) and then 10 minutes later in the same room with the same teacher it's ok for her to speak because it's not worship assembly. Shouldn't anytime we assemble be worship to God? Couldn't I argue that "in the worship service" it is wrong to use a piano, but in Bible class it's not? Don't get me wrong, I think it is a tough question. It opens up many questions such as: Can women read a scripture? Pass the collection tray? I would appreciate your response. Thank you.

Leon's Response

Question #327
Paul speaks of how we are to be not of this world and how we are to love everyone no matter whether they are of a different religion. Is it wrong for us to be at war or for use to try and keep our borders from illegals entering? Or having same sex marriage? Are we to have nothing to do with politics but just seek God and his kingdom?

Leon's Response

Question #326
In a sermon we received a point was brought out about men and long hair being a disgrace. If we use that part of God's word ,shouldn't women wear their hair long for it's glory? It seems we pick a lot of verses and leave out others. Isn't God's word the same today as yesterday? I don't want to misuse scripture, but I do want to follow it with a believing heart. Thank-You.

Leon's Response

Question #325
Brother Leon, could you please explain I Corinthians 15:29? I am confused.

Leon's Response

Question #324
Brother Leon, I am a Christian and a question was brought up concerning having a ladies bible study in your home. She thinks the elders have to approve of the study before you can, is this correct? I study the scriptures daily and have not found anything to verify this. Thank-You.

Leon's Response

Question #323
Brother Leon, my question is coming from Romans 11:24-26. Does this mean we should fill our life with Christ or our present will be worst than our past? I hope this makes sense.

Leon's Response

Question #322
When the Bible talks about the dead in Christ rising, does this mean that my set of twins will have to leave the glory of heaven, or does it mean that their soul is still inside their body that is in the ground?

Leon's Response

Question #321
In reference to question #320, would I still be a member of the church of Christ if this all happened in a denominational church?

Leon's Response

Question #320
If I hear the Word, if I believe the Word, if I repent, if I confess His name and am baptized for the forgiveness of my sins, am I a member of the church of Christ?

Leon's Response

Question #319
I am the one and only deacon in our congregation (church of Christ). At this time, no other men are qualified, according to the scriptures. An interesting question came up in a meeting with the elders that we did not have a scriptural answer for. Since no other men are qualified to serve as deacons, is it okay to ask men to do the duties of a deacon? For example, there is a man that can do the work of the deacon of building and grounds, but he does not meet the qualifications to be appointed a deacon. Is it right for the elders to ask men to do the work of a deacon without appointing them as a deacon? If your answer is yes, then why appoint deacons? What is the difference between an appointed deacon doing the work and the man doing the work without holding the office of a deacon? My answer to the elders was it is the higher level of commitment and responsibility to the congregation, but I could not come up with scriptures to validate my point. Any help would be appreciated.

Leon's Response

Question #318
Brother Leon, I am Christian and love the Lord with all my heart. My heart's desire is to go to heaven. My concern is my heart  - the more I pray and try to grow closer to my Father, the more my mind becomes polluted with evil thoughts. I am constantly in battle with this. I know Satan works on us and I pray always for help but can't find the peace the Lord wants us to have. Is there hope for me?

Leon's Response

Question #317
I've really been struggling to understand the Bible. I hope maybe you could give me some words of advice.

Our home Bible Study group has been studying a wide range of topics. Some of these topics are very debatable.

Question 1#: What does the text say about fellowshipping with other faiths? Ex. Can a member of the New Testament church feel that his/her worship is acceptable to God if they worship with a Methodist, Baptist....congregation? I have heard from more "liberal" ministers in the churches of Christ that they consider anyone who believes in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ brothers in Christ and would feel fine to worship at any of their assemblies. The issue of instrumental music was not a "salvation" issue. However, if we sin when we use instruments, is that not a salvation issue? I guess the fine line for me in fellowshipping with other faiths is when do we start condoning false teaching by our involvement? 

Question #2: Can someone partake of the Lord's Supper more than one time on the first day of the week?

Question #3: Instrumental music - I understand that the New Testament does not state that we cannot use instruments, nor does it give us the authority to use them. However, how can we justify that point of view when other things that the Church practices are not mentioned in text....ex. full-time preacher, organized collection...etc.

Once again thank you for your help.

Leon's Response

Question #316
This is a little embarrassing to ask, but in the marriage relation, is woman only made for man's sexual needs and her feelings are of no interest?

Leon's Response

Question #315
Leon you have always given good answers on questions I've asked. I want to share one on those that feel they can stay at home and watch Church on TV on Sundays. Thinking you can just watch church on TV and be a Christian is like thinking you can be married by watching the Cosby's. Church isn't something you watch, it's the body of Christ. The church is made up of individual members who are like eyes and hands and feet. We are called "living stones" of a temple for Christ and we are the dwelling place of God. Driving by a beautiful mansion is not the same as living in it. Christ wants to take up residence in the hearts of His followers and wherever they are gathered together, He is there in their midst. I wonder if those who feel watching church on TV is ok will feel it's ok to be in hell and just watch heaven on TV! ?

Leon's Response

Question #314
When you've been married for a number of years and have children and divorce, how do you Scripturally explain reconciling (without remarriage) and living together and doing all the same things as when you were married previously without the certificate?

Leon's Response

Question #313
Today I was shopping at the supermarket and I noticed two young men approaching certain people and handing them some printed pamphlets. I overheard them talking of the Mormon doctrine. They didn’t approach me but can you tell of their beliefs and how to return our faith in God so they will see where they have missed the mark. I need to be prepared. Thank you.

Leon's Response

Question #312
We studied today about James1, I understand that through our faith we can depend on Christ when trials comes but it's hard for me to understand terrible diseases especially with children. The Lord wants us to become like a child, so why must they suffer?

Leon's Response

Question #311
Thank you for your answer to question 310. At the time of my marriage to my husband was the same time I left the church. I have returned to my faith and ask for forgiveness.  My husband did not have scripture reason to divorce either wives before me, so where does that leave me?  I am so confused inside and want to do what is right even though I know it might mean some sadness on my part. I know now how easy falling into sin is. The price you pay isn't worth losing your soul!

Leon's Response

Question #310
Brother Leon, my question comes with a much needed heart searching answer. I’ve been a Christian now for many years but fell away for a couple of years due to lack of faith on my part and disappointment on the church's part when I reached out for help and didn’t get it. My husband at the time was unfaithful to our marriage but I fell into sin and regret and have asked the Lord for forgiveness. My concern is that I have married a man that isn’t a Christian and has two living wives. Am I living in an adulterous marriage and stand to lose my soul? I have prayed to my Father for forgiveness and want my personal relationship with my Father. I don’t want on the day of judgment to find out I’m lost. Thank you.

Leon's Response

Question #309
A friend of mine has a nine year old son. Yesterday after he came home from school he told his dad that he likes his friends at school a lot more than the kids his age at church. The dad felt bad that his son would like the kids at school more than the ones at church. What are we to say to these young kids that do spend more time with kids at school than church. As adults we can see that the friendships that we have with those in the church far outweigh and are more lasting than those from our school days. Yet with them they cannot see the (big) picture because of their youth. We know that the outside world (Satan) is also competing for their souls!

Leon's Response

Question #308
Is it okay for a lady to wear pants?

Leon's Response

Question #307
When the Bible says to tithe 10% - does that have to go to your church or could you use some of the money for people in need of financial help?

Leon's Response

Question #306
What does the bible teach about a woman baptizing someone, (not teaching but doing the baptism)?

Leon's Response

Question #305
I have a friend who is a devote believer in the Gifts of the Spirit, ie: healing, tongues, prophesying, etc. We have "argued" back and forth about the 13th chapter of I Cor., (she says "that which is perfect" means Jesus' second coming), and just about every other verse we could locate that talked about these gifts. Will you please forward me some direction on this subject? She also quotes John 14:12 "...greater works than these..." We also discuss the meanings of "false teachers and prophets." She says that her denomination always puts Christ in the center of their teaching and, therefore, are not false. I say that if a church is teaching things contrary to the Bible then they are false. Of course, she believes (as we do) that her church is following the Bible's true teachings. Will you please expand and clarify this subject too? Thanks much.

Leon's Response

Question #304
Please explain about fasting and why it is not taught and used in the church today. Thank-you.

Leon's Response

Question #303
Please explain 1 Cor.11:11-16, should women wear their hair long today and men wear their hair short? Sometimes I don't know if I am doing all I need to do, I know the Bible is the Lord's letter to us also today and I wouldn't intentionally misuse it but some things I am unsure about.

Leon's Response

Question #302
Do you believe we go to heaven when we die or at rest somewhere waiting for the judgment of God? If we each must stand before the Lord, what happens to us?

Leon's Response

Question #301
Please help me understand in 2 Cor.9:7-8.  How will we always have everything we need and left over to share with others?

Leon's Response