Question #450 - responsible for what I cannot give?
Bro. Leon, my question is, will I be held responsible for what I can not give to the Lord? I receive a check once a month and give from it to church, but my husband is not a Christen and I could do so much more but he would not approve. How does the Lord feel about this situation. Thanks.

Leon's Response

Question #449 - remembering the Sabbath
The Sabbath was the Lord's day with the Old Law, our's is Sunday now, I guess what I am trying to say, do you think we honor our Father on this day all day with our mind and heart, it seems to me we have so many activities on Sunday.

Leon's Response

Question #448 - the Christian & politics
Last Sunday, for some reason, all the church programs I watched all seemed to have the same idea of the sermon. It had to do with evangelism. How we should all be doing that. That the Lord said, come with me...I will make you fishers of Men.  I am just so timid in that regard. I love to give my testimonies and I do that frequently, as that is my style in evangelizing. But I don't go to far otherwise because I think I would personally feel like a hypocrite. Cause...I feel I am such a unhappy person. I get so angry with the cards that have been dealt to me in so many areas of my life. I say I forgive and I do...but I don't forget the hurt, the pain the disappointments, the abandonment. I go along a while after forgiving...and then when similar situations arise again just like before... and I get hurt, afraid and then they all stack up right there in front of my brain... all the hurts, lies, that were said, just huge disappointments. I try to live for each day...but say the wrong words to me and I flip out. It will bring everything else related to those few words and I go nuts. I wish when people said what they say and mean what they say when they say it. Lies are so upsetting. When someone lies to you, serious lies, ok... I can forgive in time... but I really don't forget. I go along fine until I figure out I have been lied to again and then the first lie becomes as important as the second one and just as fierce as the first. Does that make any sense?

Leon's Response

Question #447 - the Christian & politics
My question is, as a Christian, how am I to vote? I want to do the right thing for our country and as a Christian, please help me know the correct path to follow.

Leon's Response

Question #446 - Before judgement - Hades? Paradise?
The Great White Throne Judgment - Before this event happens, the Bible tells us that all of the unsaved people are kept in a place called Hades (Hell) until the Millennium Kingdom is over. Hades (Hell) is a temporary place of torment that these souls are kept in until they have to appear before God in this final judgment, which will then determine their eternal fate once and for all.

Would you please expand on these statements as to whether it is actual or represents an earlier event. Thanks.

Leon's Response

Question #445 - God and the lying prophets
In 2 Chron. 18:beginning with vs. 1-22 in vs. 21, it mentions that the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these prophets of yours (King Ahab). I am a bit confused about the whole situation regarding lying, since God cannot be a part of darkness, as 1 John 1:5 explains.

I do not know if you can help me understand 2 Chron. 18:21. My idea was that I know the Lord has punished angels who have followed the ways of the devil and not followed His word and fallen from glory - this might be one of those times. Your thoughts?

Leon's Response

Question #444 - Paul's mother
Can you tell me who the apostle Paul's mother was?

Leon's Response

Question #443 - Will Earth be a paradise someday?
Some Jehovah’s witnesses came by the other day and gave me an article entitled “Will Earth Be a Paradise” in which it states the paradise Jesus referred to in Luke 23:43 would be on earth. The article states this “fact” is well supported in the Bible and quotes the following scriptures: Psalm 37:29, Psalm 72:16, Proverbs 2:21, and Isaiah 11:9. It further stated that in harmony with these passages are Jesus statement in Matt. 5:5 (about the meek inheriting the earth) and to John’s words in Rev. 21:3,4. It’s hard to know where to begin when visiting with these folks. Other scriptures such as 2 Peter 3:10-13 come to mind, but where do you start? Do you have any suggestions or insights on effective ways to refute such error?

Leon's Response

Question #442 - Being hospitable to troubled family members
My niece whom is 40 years old & lives Fl. has two daughters. My niece is not married but, has been married two other times. Her new boy friend at times stays with her. One daughter is jr. high & the other is a freshman in high school. The one that is in high school goes with a guy that is a senior in high school. Recently my niece came home & found both of them in the shower together. My niece mother lives with me & my wife in Ill. because of health problems. My niece is coming up with her two girls plus the boy friend to see her mother. My niece also has said that the boy friend smokes pot. My wife & I don't like the idea of the boy friend coming along & staying at our house plus we will be leaving a few days after they arrive & they will be staying at our house along with the niece's mother. My niece said that if the guy can't stay at our house she would just rent a hotel room for all of them. Needless to say my niece & two daughters have no Christian life in Fl. I just feel that my niece is putting herself in a bad situation just by allowing the guy to come along. My niece's daughter has on a number of occasions cut her wrist. She has sought help for the daughter. My question to you is should we bend on this matter & let my niece, two girls & boyfriend stay at our house?

Leon's Response

Question #441 - What about withdrawing fellowship?
The point was recently made during a Bible class that when church discipline leads to disfellowship it doesn't mean that we "lock the doors and refuse" to allow the person to attend the worship service. There is some disagreement regarding this. Some believe that, we would be, by allowing someone enter the worship service, extending fellowship. What are your thoughts?

Leon's Response

Question #440 - Does God speak directly to us today?
My question is how the Lord speaks to us today. I have had friends and Christian sisters to say that the Lord told them certain things, or gave them certain answers. I want a close relationship with the Father also, but I have not heard the Lord speak to me. Am I missing out on this relationship because of sin in my life or is my faith too weak? I just want to please the Lord and go to heaven when I leave this world.

Leon's Response

Question #439 - No life after death?
I often hear people say that he or she might be better off just to shut their eyes and be gone. I'm not sure that it is that easy to say when it is someone you know and care about. We seem to always want to hold on to those we love as long as we can. I personally feel that someday I will be with all my loved ones again, but I would hate to see any of them leave me. I don't know if that is a lack of faith or just human nature. My Mom has tried to be a good person and has attended the church of Christ for years, but I have heard her say that if there is no life after death then she will not feel cheated.

Leon's Response

Question #438 - Fasting & prayer
Acts 13:1-3, does fasting make prayer more effective? Comment on verse 2 the Holy Spirit said!

Leon's Response

Question #437 - Doctrine of the church?
Does the church have a name and a doctrine? I have been told that it does not have a name or a doctrine.

Leon's Response

Question #436 - Jesus' curious comment to gentile woman
I am puzzled by Jesus' reply in Matthew 15:24: "But He answered and said, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'"

Leon's Response

Question #435 - Marriage & divorce
If one is unfaithful to a spouse, and that unfaithfulness leads to divorce, does the one who was unfaithful sin or enter into an adulterous relationship by remarrying? The sin of fornication against the first spouse was repented of before the second marriage. Does the "former fornicator" need to separate from his or her second spouse?

Leon's Response

Question #434 - Fasting (follow-up)
Let’s say a group of Christians decides that they, as a group (congregation) are going to fast from television for 7 days. Once I get home, and upon second thought, I decide I will watch television during that 7 days for 1 hour a day. Have I broken the fast by doing that? Have I truly fasted from television for 7 days?

Leon's Response

Question #433 - Fasting
I guess maybe I'm a little confused regarding the definition of a "fast". I always thought if you committed to "fast" from something, you abstained from it altogether for the predetermined period of time. It doesn't seem to me to be a "true" fast if you're going to make up additional rules and exceptions as you go, i.e., on certain days give in for 1 or 2 hours (or more). Jesus was terribly hungry in the desert. He could have turned just one little rock into a small piece of bread. Our family has had many discussions about the current "challenge" put forth to the body at Central, and quite frankly we are struggling with the definition and intent. Our kids, who we have encouraged to fast per the Biblical examples that we see, come home telling us how few in their group are totally doing without, and asking us (their parents) what we think about having "exceptions" or "options" to the fast. (Yes, I know - what others do should be irrelevant, but when you are trying to do something as a body, together, and it is discussed in class when we come together and meet, it's hard to get around noting how others are approaching this "challenge".) To me, and maybe I'm all wrong, a fast is a fast. Anything else is simply cutting back on something and not truly fasting. I think both are good - I just believe in calling it what it is. If you're going to cut back on something, such as media, that is absolutely a good thing - given you are filling in the void with prayer, scripture reading, meditation, service, etc. - but if you continue to partake during the prescribed period of time for the "fast" in "optional" increments, in my mind you are not truly abstaining. I'm not saying this still isn't a good thing, I'm just thinking it's not a true fast - it's more a "cutting back" on something than a "fast". Am I all wrong on this? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Leon's Response

Question #432 - Women's Roles as Leaders
Is there a biblical reference for women serving in worship, such as serving communion, standing on stage in a worship team, leading a prayer, making announcements? The Bible mentions women not preaching but what about these other areas? Would this be wrong according to scripture?

Leon's Response

Question #431 - Religious Freedom (follow-up)
You missed my point completely. Go back and read what I wrote with the emphasis on the word right. I was trying to express the wonderful right we have in this country - to worship without fear. I believe that Jesus is the "way and the light." I believe that through his grace - and his grace alone - we will have eternal life with him. However, my point was that each person HAS THE RIGHT AND THE FREEDOM TO WORSHIP in this country. I may not agree with their religion. I may not recognize the spiritual head of their religion, and I may feel that they are totally lost souls, but I would never try to deny them the RIGHT to worship in peace. Some people see this as a great fault of the so called "evangelicals." The belief is that evangelicals actually want laws that make their beliefs the law of the land. We see in many countries, especially Muslim countries, where religion is the law. There is no religious freedom. At least in this country you are free to worship without fear. I may not agree with your religion, but I would never deny you the right to worship.

Does that make any more sense? 
This was my friend reply to question 430!

Leon's Response

Question #430 - Religious Freedom
That's one thing I like about our church - Methodists. We believe everyone has the right to worship their God as they see fit. Whether you are a Buddhist, Muslim, Baptist, etc., you have the right to worship freely in this country. Would Jesus ever have spoken these words in the synagogue or in His church? I almost find it as a crutch that Christians use.

Leon's Response

Question #429 - Extending the Invitation
Does our practice of extending the invitation come solely from Acts 2:38? What about the invitation song?

Leon's Response

Question #428 - Attending on Wednesday nights
Is it a sin to miss Wednesday night classes?

Leon's Response

Question #427 - Lot's wife rightous?
Why is Lot called righteous in 2 Peter 2:7? Is it because he was not a participant in the perversion of his homeland? It seems to me that in Lot's limited exposure in the Bible, he messes up quite a bit. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Leon's Response

Question #426 - Marriage & Divorce / Christ knowing our heart
Thanks Leon for the class last night. It was very uplifting and thought provoking. I wanted to ask you a few questions and possibly play "devil's advocate" for a second.

1. Marriage and divorce has always been an interesting issue to me. Last night in class, the final synopsis was that if the guilty person in the marriage remarried (according to scripture they cannot), they would not need to leave that relationship if they repent. My question would this: Does that make that relationship then -right with God? Do they commit adultery each time they engage in sexual activity OR as we learned - non-sexual activity as well? Even though it's hard for me to think that God wouldn't want another divorce, it's also hard for me to think the otherwise. I try to refrain from relaying on what seems logical in my eyes because that is not always God's plan. For Naaman, dipping 7 times seemed crazy to him, but obviously it was not to God. Earlier in the class (before we talked about M/D), we focused in the text (Matthew) about getting rid of anything that would hinder us. The inspired writer spoke of the importance of the issue saying if your eye is getting in the way of serving God, gouge it out. Wouldn't these same applications apply to a relationship that is not of God? Lastly, how would this differ if the guilty party is just living with another person? I imagine the answer would be they would need to get out of the sinful relationship.

2. "Christ's life reflects his teachings, if not it is not of God" - Of course, God is all-knowing and has the power to do whatever he chooses. He has the capability to know the heart of every man. Can you think of any instances in which what Jesus did, didn't reflect what he was teaching? 


Thanks again for your encouragement.

Leon's Response

Question #425 - Worry
Is worrying in part due to one's brain chemistry? When does concern become worry?

Leon's Response

Question #424 - Selection of elders scriptural?
In the New Testament all examples of selecting elders for a congregation was done by men who were not a part of, or members of that congregation. The selection process was never done from within the congregation as we are all doing today. It was always done from the outside. Therefore, my question for you is, why are the churches of Christ not following the teachings of the New Testament in regards to the selection of elders?

Leon's Response

Question #423 - Peace in our lifetime?
With the condition of our world today, do you think there will ever be peace or will the fighting just continue until our Lord comes? I pray for peace, especially here, things seem to continually get worst.

Leon's Response

Question #422 - Musical instruments
Concerning your disapproval of musical instruments in worship, it seems that you (if I may say with no disrespect) may be suffering from what I call "New Testament legalism". I have read all your answers to the questions people have raised on this topic, and your main response seems to be something like, "If God didn't say we should use instruments in worship in the New Testament, then we shouldn't and it is therefore wrong to do it." 

Now, this is where I honestly believe you are missing the boat on this one: Jesus said true worshipers must worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. Worship in the New Covenant is no longer about the Law, but about the Spirit. In the Old Covenant, God accepted worship with instruments (ex. King David's many Psalms). So why in the New Covenant would this suddenly not be acceptable to him? Remember, it is not about the law but about the Spirit, so, as God desires worship in spirit, which transcends the law and any physical means, it does not matter if this worship is with or without instrument. This is why the New Testament is "silent" on this issue, because worship is not about law, but about spirit; and whether you choose to use instrument or not, it is beside the point that worship is in spirit, not law; consequently the Spirit didn't need to say 'yea' or 'nay' on this issue. There is "silence" because there is freedom in the Spirit. Just as we are not to judge and condemn believers who consider one day more special than another (Rom 14:5-7) even though we may not, so it is the same with instrumental verses non-instrumental worship--because we know that it is not about law, but about freedom in the Spirit--and thus we do not need a special command from the Lord to tell us it is ok to use an instrument in worship--especially with the Old Covenant pattern and example of this. The heart of God has not changed from Old Covenant to New Covenant, but there was a change from law to spirit and love. This is why I believe you are suffering from what I call New Testament legalism because you have missed the entire point on worship if you think because there is no command from the Lord saying it is ok to use instruments then it is wrong to do it.

It is time to take God out of the box you have put him in. I respectfully challenge your position on "where the bible speaks, we speak; and where it is silent we are silent." What this strange doctrine does is rob you of your freedom in the Spirit because you are trapped in its clutch. It is a tradition of men that nullifies God's word in your life because you cannot think outside of its grasp. It is ok to think outside of this box, especially on disputable matters such as instruments in worship.

On a personal note, I do not condemn you if you want to worship without instruments, but it is when you fail to see that it is acceptable to God to worship with instruments that is unacceptable doctrine. I personally prefer worship without instruments more than with them, but I know that I am not in sin whichever I choose and participate in. I hate what the churches of Christ have done with this issue--one virtually thinks it is sin to use instruments, and the other can't conceive of worship without instruments. Those leaders who perpetuate either side of this issue are building with wood, hay and straw, and thus will be losing whatever reward they may have had on this one, (1 Cor 3:10-15). It is a shame.

When any leader tells someone else that it is sin to use an instrument in worship with no scripture speaking to back it up, what that leader is doing is putting a "law" on them and binding their conscience to it so they think they are in sin if they worship in the presence of instruments. This is why it is dangerous and hurts the church. This displeases the Lord when we bind new, unscriptural laws on people who are meant to worship in spirit and truth.

Just for the record, I am not some "liberal" who is trying to take you out of your church of Christ doctrine, I attend a "instrumental" church of Christ and have done so for years. And I have never bought into their "instrument only" in practice doctrine.

Anyway, sorry for the length, and thanks for reading and I look forward to your response.

Leon's Response

Question #421 - Saul, the medium, and Samuel
In 1 Sam. 28 Saul consults a medium and brings Samuel back up from the dead. In verse 15 Samuel asks why Saul "disturbed" him by "bringing me up." Seems to suggest the deceased Samuel was possibly in some sort of "sleep" or that his spirit was being brought up from the grave - vs 13 says the medium sees a spirit ascending from the earth. How does this fit with the belief that a person goes straight to heaven or hell at death, (as I believe you contend in questions like #405 and the Bible seems to support with the story of Lazurus and the rich man)? Seems like Samuel would have said something more along the lines of "Why have you brought me back down from heaven..."

Leon's Response

Question #420 - Why was God silent?
Why did God stop speaking for 400 years?

Leon's Response

Question #419 - Bible riddles, Part 2
The New Testament contains how many books? The New Testament covers the time from Jesus birth to the what? The 39 books of the Old Testament can be divided into how many parts? Name all of them? The Old Testament was written down in what language? Although at first God's revelations were what? He later commanded that what He had spoken should be what? When reading the Old Testament, it is important that one realize that all the books in it is what? The Books in the Old Testament points to that what? The Old Testament is the story of the nation what? The Bible was written by approximately how many inspired authors? The Old Testament, spanning the time period from the creation of the world to the Return of the what?

Leon's Response

Question #418 - The tongue
Please explain to me James 3:8, our tongue, it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Why is this part of our body evil? Are not all our parts from God and why would this part be evil and how must we deal with this?

Leon's Response

Question #417 - Bible riddles - Part 1
The Old Testament, spanning the time period from the creation of the world to the return of the what? The New Testament covers the time from Jesus birth to the what? The 39 books of the Old Testament can be divided into how many parts? Name all of them? The Old Testament was written down in what language? Although at first God's revelations were what? He later commanded that what He had spoken should be what? When reading the Old Testament, it is important that one realize that all the books in it is what? The Books in the Old Testament points to that what? The Old Testament is the story of the nation what? The Bible was written by approximately how many inspired authors? Name the Five major divisions of the New Testaments?

Leon's Response

Question #416 - Are we becoming Pharisaical? (follow-up)
Could you go deeper into your answer on 415?

Leon's Response

Question #415 - Are we becoming Pharisaical?
During some of my studies lately I have become concerned that we in the "Church of Christ" are becoming similar to the Pharisees. The older I get the more it concerns me that I could overlook these behaviors in myself. Weren’t the Pharisees originally well meaning people? Aren’t we? I am concerned about our overall “Church Family”. I feel like since I am concerned about this I will be on my guard. I know this is not a question but an observation, however I feel this could be as dangerous for my Church Family as anything going on in the Church today could. I would enjoy your comments and you don't have to publish this if you choose not to.

Leon's Response

Question #414 - Once saved, always saved? (Part 2)
Bro. Leon, please help me explain to a person that believes "once saved always saved" to the point of thinking she could kill and still be saved. I'm speaking of willful act of killing. How can one think we don't have to live a different lifestyle than the world. Seems to me we are taking our Lord's death and mocking him. Help!

Leon's Response

Question #413 - Falling from grace
You stated in question 412 that a Christian can fall so far they can't return, how is this? What if they want to come back, is there no hope for them?

Leon's Response

Question #412 - Once saved, always saved? (Part 1)
Once you're saved, are you always saved and your salvation secured? The Bible does state that salvation is a gift, so therefore, if it is a gift, then it can't be taken from you, right?

Leon's Response

Question #411 - Raising our children
I have been reading a book by Donald S. Whitney (Spiritual Disciplines For The Christian Life) & in his chapter on Stewardship of Time he notes that time flies: We see that in raising children. We do not get second chances to raise them correctly. Would you think this statement to be true?

Leon's Response

Question #410 - Remarriage acceptable?
Please help me. I come from a holiness church which does not believe in remarriage.  Today this seems like an accepted choice.  Please show me scriptures to substantiate this.

Leon's Response

Question #409 - Observing Lord's supper during the week?
I have a niece who has been newly baptized.  Her job prevents her from coming to church on Sunday morning or Sunday evening to take communion. She works a long weekend shift. Would it be right for her to have communion during the week?

Leon's Response

Question #408 - Partaking in the lottery
How do you feel about a Christian buying a lottery ticket? Is this a sin?

Leon's Response

Question #407 - God's will for provision
Recently I visited a church with a friend and looked on their website to see what their beliefs were. The following concept confused me:

God's Will for Provision:
It is the Father's will for believers to become whole, healthy and successful in all areas of life. But because of the fall, many may not receive the full benefits of God's will while on Earth. That fact, though, should never prevent all believers from seeking the full benefits of Christ's provision in order to better serve others.
1. Spiritual (John 3:3-11; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-10).
2. Mental and Emotional (II Timothy 1:7, 2:11; Philippians 4:7-8; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3).
3. Physical (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:17; I Peter 2:24).
4. Financial (Joshua 1:8; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Psalm 34:10, 84:11; Philippians 4:19).

What are your views on this concept?

Leon's Response

Question #406 Rahab's lie
What is your view of Rahab being in Heb 11? Was her lie an expression of her faith? If so, isn't this contradictory to God's nature?

Leon's Response

Question #405 - Is there a Paradise?
Would John 3:13 disprove the response given to question #261, that one goes straight to heaven or hell at the time of death? Doesn't this scripture suggest that there may be a Paradise?

John 3:13
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.

Leon's Response

Question #404 - Killing in war - right or wrong?
My grandson Kyle (9 years old) asked me tonight if our service men that are engaging in the war that if they kill the enemy would they be able to still go to heaven?

Leon's Response

Question #403 - Woman leading prayer with husband
Is it wrong (within marriage) for the woman to lead a prayer with the husband? Does this break submission principles in the text?

Leon's Response

Question #402 - God's favor towards a sinful David - why?
My sister in-law can not understand why God found such favor of David because of the sin's that he committed. I do not know the answer myself because I too have often thought of that very same thing. I know what God had said about David (1 Sam 16:7) "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Leon's Response

Question #401 - How does Satan work?
Does Satan put evil thoughts in our minds? How exactly does he or his evil ones work in our lives? How do we prepare?

Leon's Response