20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 57)
BibleThinker
Navigating Sin and Salvation
This chapter discusses the necessity of addressing specific sins within church teachings, particularly in cultural contexts like those of the Gentiles. It delves into the responsibilities of pastors in confronting contemporary issues of sexuality and sin while exploring different theological interpretations of salvation across Protestant and Roman Catholic beliefs. The chapter also addresses the complexities of prayer, faith, and navigating relationships with non-believers, emphasizing discernment and the importance of maintaining spiritual values.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:10 {Is Hypnosis OK for Christians?} What does the Bible say about hypnosis as a form of medical treatment? I struggle with food addiction and have heard that it can help by reaching the subconscious. However, I want to be super careful not to dip into the supernatural demonic realm that can sometimes happen during yoga sessions when "channeling your inner-self" and "connecting with the universe."
2. 9:26 {Was the Temple Ever Cleaned?} Blood was sprinkled around the altar in the Tabernacle and Temple. Did the priests ever clean up all the blood splatter? Or just let it accumulate? I cannot find the answer in Scripture.
3. 11:51 {About the Evidence of the Spirit} In Acts 8, how did they know when the Samaritans had and had not received the Holy Spirit? Pentecostals teach that it must have been tongues. Is there another explanation?
4. 18:36 {What is the Light in Gen. 1?} What is the light in Genesis 1:3? Some say the light is a spiritual force, Jesus, stars, the Big Bang, etc. I know it’s not Jesus, but I’m getting a lot of feedback in a group without any real solid answers.
5. 24:46 {Should We Apologize for Every Past Sin?} Should Christians apologize to everyone from their past? I had so much anxiety, messaging people from high school about every lie or mean comment I could think of, even some things people didn't remember.
6. 30:11 {About Pastors Preaching on Certain Sins} How would you respond to a pastor who says “I don't need to teach that a particular practice is a sin”? What dangers do you think are there if someone doesn't recognize certain sins?
7. 33:46 {Are Works Required? (Sheep & Goats)} Does John 5: 29 or the Parable of Sheep and Goats mean that Jesus taught we need works to be saved? It seems to align with the mid-acts dispensational view.
8. 37:46 {What is a Relationship with God?} What does a relationship with God look like practically?
9. 42:10 {About Limited Atonement} If the extent of Jesus’ death was for all, but the application of His death was only for His sheep, why does Jesus say that He lays down His life for His sheep in John 10: 15 (v. 16 clarifies extent, right?)?
10. 45:56 {About Demons Confessing Jesus’ Identity} Why did demons always announce Jesus' true identity when they were in His presence? Wouldn't they rather lie and claim He was a false prophet or something to deceive others? (Ex: Luke 4: 33-34)
11. 48:04 {Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?} I’ve heard several teachings about prayer and I’m a bit confused. Are we to pray once, believe we have it, and walk in faith? Or should we pray repeatedly until God gives us an answer?
12. 52:16 {About Boundaries w/Unsaved Friends} I turned away from God 14 yrs. ago, but got saved this summer. My "best friend" has since made many bad remarks about me AND God. I only hear from him if HE needs something. Do I cut him off, or show him love?
13. 54:55 {Should we Use the Word “Christian”?} The original definers of the word “Christian” were the enemies of Jesus’ followers. What authorizes us today to define who is/isn’t a Christian? Especially if we don’t know what their OG criteria was?
14. 58:08 {About Ephraim / Israel} Often when I see Ephraim mentioned, it looks to me like God is referring to all of Israel. Have I misunderstood something? Why does He use this tribe? My reading today: Jeremiah 31:6 (?), 18, & 20.
15. 1:01:01 {About YT Ads} As a fellow YouTuber, do you get concerned about the ads your viewers see on your videos?
16. 1:03:37 {About Lifting Hands in Worship & Others Watching Us} I have trouble lifting my hands during worship songs, though commanded in Psalms. I can’t get over the mental block that I’m trying to look good to people around me. Do I have a weak conscience, or am I disobeying Scripture?
17. 1:06:23 {Thoughts on Veganism} What are your thoughts on Veganism?
18. 1:09:04 {Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?} Jesus promises to give us what we ask in His name/His will, if we believe it. He also says to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Can we really say that God keeps His promises when this doesn't always happen?
19. 1:12:20 {Biblical Counsel for Self-Harming Habits} I’ve been struggling for years with self-harm and am looking for biblical advice. I'm Baptist and believe we go through hard times, but I am just looking for advice!
20. 1:19:55 {Is it Unreasonable to Say God had No Beginning?} If we say that it’s unreasonable to say that the universe had no beginning, why is it not also unreasonable to say that God had no beginning?
My video on prayer and why we don’t always believe we will receive:
https://youtu.be/VvA5ZWDSdmo
Limited atonement:
https://youtu.be/shpZMRhr4uM
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https://biblethinker.org/biblethinker-qa-topical-index/
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https://BibleThinker.org
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