20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 60)
BibleThinker
Navigating Identity and Faith
This chapter explores the intricacies of transgender identity and its psychological effects on youth, while acknowledging their search for security through unique identities. It addresses challenges related to faith, relationships, and the development of intentional dating goals grounded in scripture. The discussion also includes theological insights about authority, communication, and the duality present in Jacob's struggle with God, ultimately emphasizing love in all forms of interaction.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:37 {Tips for Consistent Bible Reading} I’ve been pretty terrible with reading my Bible in past years, and I really want to stay in God’s Word this year (and always). Can you please give me some advice on how to read my Bible consistently? I always start reading plans, fall behind, then just stop reading altogether.
2. 7:48 {Were OT Sacrifices Purely Symbolic?} Did Levitical sacrifices really do anything beyond point people to Jesus? Hebrews 10:4 and Romans 3: 25 tell us that Jesus' atonement was applied retroactively to Old Testament saints, so were their sacrifices only symbolic?
3. 12:36 {Do Pastors Have Authority over Believers?} A lot of people in my circle talk about being under the "covering" and authority of their pastor and elders. Is this a thing?
4. 16:31 {Tips for Reading Scripture w/Children} It seems like the more I try and teach my kids the Word (ages 8,12 yrs.) the more they say the Bible is boring and groan every time I want to read with them. I’m getting discouraged. Suggestions?
5. 19:22 {When to be Re-Baptized} If I lacked repentance at the time of my baptism years ago as a teen, should I be rebaptized now as an adult? This past year I've experienced true, heart-felt repentance and now I just want to obey.
6. 23:32 {Does the P. of Talents demand Physical Work?} My preacher uses the Parable of Talents to say we must go out to do work for the Lord. I have chronic illness and I don't have energy for stuff outside of my family. Does this mean I waste my talents?
7. 30:47 {Why Didn’t Adam Stop Eve?} Since Adam was sinless before the fall, why didn't he fulfill his role as a husband when Eve was tempted by the serpent (it seems like he was nearby)?
8. 37:40 {Legal, but Is It Moral / Biblical?} In bodybuilding, the usage of performance enhancing drugs are not illegal and are used by higher level competitors. As a Christian, would those drugs be considered sinful to utilize as a tool to be competitive in the pro league?
9. 42:32 {How is the Bible Perfect, Written by Humans?} According to Scripture, all humans are flawed. There are no examples of humans being perfect, apart from Christ. Therefore, how can anyone deem the Bible 100% perfect when its authors were imperfect?
10. 44:27 {A Prayer Request from Pastor Mike} Today I want to know how we can all pray for YOU and your ministry.
11. 46:03 {Who are the Watchers in Daniel 4?} Who are the “watchers” of Daniel 4: 17? Do they play an end times role?
12. 51:23 {Advice for a Transgender Situation} My baby’s kindergarten has hired a transgender person who advocates. If kids ask, they will say that he is a trans. My baby is just 1 yr. old. Is it even safe for her to be with this confused person? Any advice?
13. 55:52 {Comfort from Scripture after a Breakup} My girlfriend (devout Catholic) and I (devout "protestant") broke up recently after dating for a year. We wanted to get married, but we broke up due to our faiths. Where can I read for comfort?
14. 57:27 {Will we be Judged for our Words or Intentions?} Will God judge us for what we said, or for what we meant by those words?
15. 59:43 {Understanding the Trinity} How should we understand the "power dynamic" within the Trinity specifically as it applies to "sending" (filioque clause in mind)? Does the Father have a sort of "sending" authority over the Son & the Spirit?
16. 1:02:33 {About the “Little gods” Theory} Can you explain a biblical view of the "little gods" theory (Psalm 82:6 and John 10: 34)?
17. 1:12:34 {About Jacob’s “Wrestle” with God} Did Jacob really "wrestle" with God? Why does Genesis make it sound as though he "won" this fight?
18. 1:15:04 {About the “Tongues of Angels”} 1Corinthians 13:1 refers to "speaking in the tongues of men and of angels." The tongues of men are just different languages, but what are tongues of angels?
19. 1:19:20 {Why We Should Go to Church} My aunt tells me to go to church because that's when the Holy Spirit "descends" and is with us. Is this true? I'm abroad for school and I don't understand the language that well. Should I still go?
20. 1:22:35 {How to Grow in Christ} What's the best way to get closest to Christ?
THIS is the education program for teaching kids a biblical worldview that I couldn’t remember! I highly recommend it:
https://foundationworldview.com/
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