20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 70)
BibleThinker
Simon Magus: Faith, Repentance, and Ethics
This chapter examines Simon Magus's transformation from sorcerer to supposed believer, scrutinizing his misguided attempts to purchase the Holy Spirit. It discusses the significance of genuine repentance, the implications of sexual intimacy before marriage, and the balance between theological study and personal relationships. Additionally, the chapter touches on generational sin, God's forgiveness, and the complexities of faith in relation to salvation and free will.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
1. 0:34 {Why Did Jesus’ Body Still Have Marks?} Why did Jesus' resurrected body still bear the scars and injuries which brought about His death? It is my understanding that our own resurrected bodies will be perfect in every way, not merely those we had just prior to death. I, for one, want all my absent teeth and hair back! Why wasn't Jesus' body also perfect, as ours will be?
2. 10:28 {Typology in Noah’s Story?} Do you think Noah could be a “type” of Christ? Why or why not?
3. 13:18 {Learning to Desire our Study Time} How do I develop a craving for solid biblical teaching? I really enjoy your content, but I become bored easily. It’s easy for me to get distracted in my free time.
4. 16:25 {Is Evolution Contrary to Belief in God?} I've noticed many people don't believe in God because of evolution. Is evolution contrary to God? Could God really have created the earth in 6 literal days? Can God “speed up” the creation process?
5. 25:26 {Was Adam the First Man?} It seems in Genesis 1, that God creates humanity and blesses them, but then later in Genesis 2, God creates Adam as a representative in Eden. Doesn’t Scripture teach Adam was the first man?
6. 31:09 {Are Angels Made in the Image of God?} In a previous episode, you stated that angels are not made in the image of God. Is that really something that we can state definitively?
7. 34:32 {God/Satan in our Dreams?} Does God and/or Satan visit us in dreams?
8. 39:12 {Was Simon Magus Repentant?} In Acts 8:9, Do you think Simon Magus was aware that he wasn’t right with God before Peter rebuked him? Some commentaries assume that he was never truly repentant, but some say he was genuine.
9. 43:56 {Can We “Over-Study” the Bible?} Is it possible to over-study Scripture & theology? I feel like I constantly burn myself out on God's Word, but I also feel terrible if I go too long (like a day or two) without studying it.
10. 46:33 {Where Did Satan’s Rebellion Come From?} Since God is not the author of evil and didn't create a kingdom with temptation or evil beings, how did Lucifer's pride and rebellion come about?
11. 50:27 {How Intimate Before Marriage is Appropriate?} I think sexual intimacy prior to marriage (i.e., clothed sexual touching/rubbing) is sinful, but my fiancée disagrees. What do I do, as a soon to be husband, when we disagree on what is sinful?
12. 58:15 {Resolving a “Contradiction”} About generational sin: Exodus 34:7 vs Ezekiel 18:20…can you please explain how we should understand this apparent contradiction?
13. 1:03:51 {Is a Continuous Drunkard Saved?} Are you still saved if you can't stop drinking?
14. 1:07:48 {Does God Control our Free Will?} In Proverbs 21:1 it says, "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. Like the rivers of water He turns it wherever He wishes." Does that mean God controls the king's free will?
15. 1:09:53 {How was Solomon Wise since he Turned Away?} How was Solomon considered to be the wisest man on Earth and yet he, too, turns away from God in his old age? He also doesn't seem to recognize his sinful ways. He doesn't even ask God to relent.
16. 1:12:01 {Witnessing Opportunity vs. Spiritual Trap!} I met some Muslims who were evangelizing, and I went up to them to challenge their beliefs. They invited me to a Ramadan dinner at a mosque. Should I go, or would that be a spiritual trap?
17. 1:13:28 {Are Court Weddings Recognized by God?} I watched the whole marriage series and didn’t find anything about this: my wife and I have been married for 8 years (through the court) and she claims God doesn’t acknowledge it. Thoughts?
18. 1:16:13 {About Jesus’ 40 Days in the Desert} I saw a video where you said “3 days and nights” was a Jewish idiom. Is 40 days in the desert the same, or is the Bible referring to 40 as just a long time that can be tangible (40 days, 40 nights, 40 years, etc.)?
19. 1:19:09 {Can a True Christian Deny Jesus’ Deity?} If a person believes in the Gospel, that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead, but they don't believe that Jesus was God (just a "higher spiritual being"), are they a Christian?
20. 1:22:21 {Obeying vs. Honoring Parents} I am a legal adult and I currently still live in my parents’ home. I am looking at moving out in the near future, but my parents believe that young women shouldn’t leave the home until they’re married. Where do you draw the line between personal convictions and the command to honor your parents?
Click here for my worship song, "I Believe":
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9DDCC711012604F9
Click here for info about the marriage conference in Arizona:
https://womensbiblestudy.com/marriage-questions-conference/
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THANK YOU for your patience, as we always get more questions than I can possibly answer, but I will do my best.
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