Based on 1 Cor 11:4-7, can a man pray while wearing a hat/cap?

Sincerely,
Covered or Uncovered?

Dear Covered or Uncovered,

1 Cor 11:1-15 is a discussion of men’s and women’s roles.  Part of that discussion involves the way that men and women look.  Women are supposed to be veiled (1 Cor 11:5), and God has given women a natural veil – their long hair (1 Cor 11:15).  Likewise men are supposed to have heads that are unveiled (1 Cor 11:4), i.e. short hair (1 Cor 11:14).  It is always wrong for a man to have long, feminine hair.  There is great debate over whether or not a man wearing a hat while praying is a sin.  One cannot be too dogmatic on this point.  The verses of first Corinthians eleven are primarily dealing with hair length, not with caps or hats.

Having said that, it is culturally appropriate in America for a man to take his hat off while praying – as a sign of respect.  Therefore, since we cannot all agree on whether leaving the hat on is a sin, but we can be sure that removing the hat is respectful… probably just best to take the hat off (Rom 14:13).

In the Bible, who is responsible for most of the miracles?

Sincerely,
Keeping A Tally

Dear Keeping A Tally,

The short answer is: God.  God is responsible for ALL of the miracles in the Bible.  Anyone in the Bible that performed miracles performed them through God’s power (Acts 2:22).  As for who specifically performed the most miracles – there is no way of telling.  Even if you counted up all the miracles that we read about, it still wouldn’t answer the question because we know that there were miracles that the Bible didn’t record (Jhn 21:25).  The purpose of Biblical miracles was to bear witness to the men who were preaching (Jhn 3:2).  The miracles were proof to the people of that day that Jesus really was the Messiah and approved by God (Acts 2:22).

I have heard many stories of people that have been declared legally dead for a few minutes and have “seen the light” or gotten a glimpse of what heaven or hell may be like.  Is this possible?

Sincerely,
Walk Towards The Light

Dear Walk Towards The Light,

‘Legally dead’ is not the same as actually dead.  A hundred years ago, someone was declared legally dead when they stopped breathing.  Fifty years ago, someone was declared legally dead when their heart stopped beating.  Today, we know that neither of those things necessarily mean that someone is dead.  In truth, the only way to know for sure that someone is “fully dead” is when they don’t come back to life.  When someone is declared dead and then are resuscitated, it simply means the physicians made a mistake in deeming the person “too far gone”.

The whole point of that explanation is to say that you only go to heaven or hell when you are actually dead.  The rich man wanted to get back to his brothers and explain what was on the other side… but he couldn’t (Lk 16:22-31).  Furthermore, God makes it clear that each of us only dies once, and only then will we face the Judgment (Heb 9:27).  Anyone who says they have visited heaven (no matter how sincere their assertion) is mistaken.

The book of Job, chapter 14:1-6: “A man is born of a woman.”  What do those verses mean?  Explain them to me please.

Sincerely,
Guys And Dolls

Dear Guys And Dolls,

Job 14:1-6 is a continuation of Job’s explanation of the difficulty he faces in his circumstances.  Job is pointing out the shortness and strain of human life.  People are born, they live their short lives, and God determines the length of their days.  Everything Job says is true except for the sense of gloom and doom.  Though no one could blame Job for feeling so pessimistic about life, he is missing one important component of the human existence – hope.  Hope is God’s gift to the faithful that allows us to persevere and look forward to an eternal life in heaven (Rom 8:24, 1 Tim 4:10).

I WANT TO DIVORCE MY HUSBAND; HE HIT ME TONIGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND HE IS VERY HOTHEADED WHILE BEING A POLICE OFFICER. WILL THE LORD FORGIVE ME FOR DIVORCE DUE TO PHYSICAL ABUSE???????

Sincerely,
Angry In All Caps

Dear Angry In All Caps,

We cannot imagine the emotional turmoil, anger, hurt, sorrow, and frustration that you are feeling right now.  Any husband that hurts his wife physically or verbally is not showing love or treating her “as his own body” as the Scriptures say he should (Eph 5:28).  He is sinning, but don’t compound that sin by sinning yourself by divorcing him.  The only Biblical reason for divorce is fornication (Matt 19:9).  You have every right to separate from him, but if you do, you are still married – just separated.  You can move out, and if you don’t feel safe – you should.  Your marriage needs counseling, and we recommend you find a Biblical counselor in your area that will help you and your husband through these trials.  Find a counselor that does not view divorce as an option – we would be happy to help with that if you would like.  May God give you peace in this time of trial.

I feel like I am struggling to be the person God wants me to be; I ask Him for guidance and to help me make sure I’m going down the path He wants me to.  My future still seems so uncertain.  I’m watching my grandfather die slowly, and I’m struggling through a relationship with a girl I care a lot about but don’t know if we are right for each other.  I also have a fear for her faithfulness even though she, to my knowledge, has never done anything she shouldn’t have.  I don’t remember ever feeling so lost even though I think my relationship with God is as strong as ever.  Admittedly, I don’t go to church; I haven’t been for years.  I tell myself that what is important is my relationship with God.  I feel guilty for complaining about my life knowing that there are people out there who have it much worse than I do.  I’m healthy, fed; I mean, I have a pretty decent life.

In short – am I being selfish?  Why do I feel lost and not know the right thing to do?  How do you know what is best for you?  Would I be a better christian/person if I went to church?

I don’t expect you to answer this or reply, but guidance would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Without A Compass

Dear Without A Compass,

Solomon once said that to fear God and keep His commandments is the whole of man (Eccl 12:13).  Right now, you aren’t feeling whole because you aren’t paying attention to all of His commandments.  The sum of God’s Word is truth (Ps 119:160).  We cannot find peace and salvation without embracing all of God’s teachings and humbly allowing the Master to guide our lives.  Heb 10:24-25 makes it clear that you cannot serve God without assembling with christians on a regular basis.  He also teaches that we must take the Lord’s Supper regularly (every Sunday – Acts 20:7) with other christians (1 Cor 11:20-26).  No man is an island; christians are meant to gather together with others who can help them through the trials of life (like watching your grandfather die) and the difficult decisions (like how to proceed with your girlfriend).  The church is made up of many individuals, and it is designed to build all of us up together in Christ (Eph 4:12-16).  You won’t be a whole person until you begin working with a church and attending services.

We caution you that it is important to find a church that will teach and instruct you only in the Scriptures.  Not all congregations are alike.  There are many religious groups that warp and pervert the Scriptures (1 Jhn 4:1) – and they will only make your situation worse.  If you would like help finding a faithful and Biblical congregation in your area, please feel free to e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org, and we will do our best to put you in contact with a trustworthy congregation near you.