Question:
Is there such a thing as the “universal church”. And if so, does it matter which church you attend?
Answer:
I will start out with copying a portion of the Bible Course dealing with the church.Continue reading
Is tithing still required in the Church Age?
Question:
Is Tithing still required in this present Church Age?
Answer:
In the Old Testament, the tithes were used to sustain the work of God (providing for the priests, needs for the Tabernacle or Temple, etc.). Nehemiah 12:44 says, “And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for THE TITHES, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities THE PORTIONS OF THE LAW FOR THE PRIESTS AND LEVITES: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.”Continue reading
Should churches practice “open,” “closed,” or “close” communion?
Question:
I have one last question for you and hope you know that I am not asking to criticize but to test stereotypes I have been taught. Do you as a pastor practice open, closed, or close communion? I look forward to your reply and maintain more than ever that you have one of if not the most scriptural web site I have found.Continue reading
Who really has the authority to start a local church?
Question:
What does the Bible teach about Church organization. As I study the churches’ history, I am finding the beginning of the church to be a question. Some say a church must be started by a church. (I believe this is the best way if not the only way) I am local church all the way. Some say it must be started by an ordained minister, but not a church. I am familiar with some of the arguments, but as I seek direction here all the information I can get will be helpful. I love your web site…Continue reading
Should a man who is divorced be a pastor, missionary, evangelist, or deacon?
Question:
I know a pastor who is divorced and married to another woman who is also divorced both are having children with the previous relationship. Please confirm whether they are living in adultery. Can we go to the church which they conduct. But God is able to forgive David’s sin and gave Solomon his son the Throne and moreover he like Solomon?Continue reading
Can a man be a deacon if his wife has been divorced?
Question:
1 Timothy 3:12. Based on this verse what are your thoughts on whether or not a man can be a deacon if he is the husband of one wife and he has never been divorced but she has.Continue reading
Is foot-washing an ordinance to be practiced by the local church?
Question:
What is your belief on foot washing and predestination?
Answer:
Foot washing is practiced by some churches as an actual ordinance of the church to be observed just like the Lord’s Supper and Baptism. We do not practice foot washing as an ordinance for the following reasons.Continue reading
Should people come forward to the altar in church services?
Question:
In our Baptist church most Sundays people don’t go to the altar. I usually do to pray for myself, the church, lost souls and sick people. I am planning on doing another sermon in Oct on “The Church-The body of Christ”. In that sermon I want to bring up the importance of coming to the altar. Yes, I know that salvation, repentance, and prayer can come from anywhere, including when they are sitting in the pews, but there is nothing like the power of going to the altar. I would like to express this, but honestly can think of anyway of doing it. Most “Altar” referals go back to the Old Testament and Law. Any ideas? Anologies?Continue reading
Is it okay for women to preach or prophesy?
Question:
MY FRIEND AND I HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING THE TOPIC WOMEN PREACHING AND TEACHING. I HAVE READ YOUR VERSES ON THE MATTER. I MYSELF AM UNCERTAIN BECAUSE IN 1CORINTHIANS 11:5 PAUL STATES A WOMEN PRAYING OR PROPHESYING WITH HER HEAD UNCOVER. ISNT PROPHESY ALSO PREACHING? TO SPEAK FORTH THE WORD OF GOD? I REALLY NEED HELP WITH THIS. ALSO, ARE YOU SAYING IT IS WRONG FOR WOMEN TO SING OR TESTIFY? I HAVE BEEN RAISED PENTECOSTAL/TONGUES MOVEMENT. I HAVE FOUND SOME THINGS THEY PREACH I DONT AGREE WITH. BUT I NEED BIBLICAL VERSES. THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING MY QUESTIONS.Continue reading
What do I do about naughty children at church?
Question:
I HAVE A PROBLEM AT MY CHURCH,I’M A BAPTIST DEACON I WENT TO MY PASTOR ABOUT SOME KIDS AT OUR CHURCH BEING TOO AGGRESSIVE WITH MY SON. I TRIED TALKING TO THE PARENTS, OTHER DEACONS, EVEN THE KIDS, WITH NO SUCCESS. I TOLD MY PASTOR MY PROBLEM AND HE ASK ME TO COME TO HIS HOME FOR COFFEE AND WE WOULD DISCUSS IT. WHEN I ARRIVED HE WAS OUTRAGED ABOUT SOME THINGS BEING LEFT OUT OF THE CHURCH BULLETIN. MY QUESTION IS THIS, MY WIFE AND I WENT TO THE ALTER AND ASK CHRIST TO HELP US. SOMETIMES I FEEL I SHOULD JUST FIND ANOTHER HOUSE OF WORSHIP BUT THAT WOULD HURT THE CHURCH PLEASE HELP ME TO FIND THE ANSWERS I NEED.Continue reading