What should we consider when praying for certain individuals? Tackling the complexities of faith in the face of a family member's transgender identity raises deep concerns about raising children with differing views. The ethics of progressive Christianity are examined, alongside the urgency of sharing the Gospel with a dying loved one. Discussions about the house church movement prompt reflection on diverse church structures, while the nature of marriage in Heaven and the qualifications for pastors are thoughtfully explored.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast discusses the belief that certain individuals may not be prayed for, referencing John 17:9 and emphasizing a focused approach to prayer.
Listeners are encouraged to engage in open conversations with children about differing family beliefs on identity while maintaining the relationships intact.
The speaker highlights the distinction between progressive political ideologies and progressive Christianity, emphasizing the potential dilution of biblical teachings.
Deep dives
The Nature of Prayer for Others
The discussion centers on the belief that certain individuals should not be prayed for, referencing John 17:9, where Jesus indicates he prays specifically for his disciples, not the world. The speaker argues that interpreting this as a blanket prohibition against praying for anyone outside of the faith is a misapplication. Instead, Jesus' prayer exemplifies a focus on particular individuals at a specific moment, rather than an eternal exclusion of non-believers from prayer. Ultimately, the message is that while one may pray for particular requests, there remains a clear biblical basis for praying for all individuals' salvation and repentance.
Navigating Family Dynamics and Beliefs
A listener expresses concern about a situation in which a family member's acceptance of a trans identity could impact their potential future children. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships while guarding children’s minds from conflicting ideologies. Suggestions include being open about discussions regarding these issues as children grow, and not isolating them entirely from the family dynamics. The message also underlines the importance of thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations about identity and morals, fostering a safe environment for discussion.
Understanding Progressive Christianity
In addressing concerns about progressive Christianity being an imposition of leftist ideologies onto Christianity, the speaker differentiates between politically and theologically progressive beliefs. Progressive Christianity often reinterprets traditional faith tenets, focusing on subjective experiences over objective truths, which can lead to a dilution of biblical teachings. A study highlighted suggests that while conservative Christians may appear politically committed, progressive Christians are often even more so engaged in political advocacy. This reinforces the notion that the two forms of progression—political and theological—should not be conflated or misunderstood as being one and the same.
Faith and Family: Sharing the Gospel with Dying Loved Ones
When faced with the challenge of sharing the gospel with a dying family member who is non-Christian, the speaker offers thoughtful guidance. While expressing sorrow for the situation, the speaker encourages the listener to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Providing comfort and sharing the gospel message with love is highlighted as a meaningful gesture, but an attitude of hopefulness is advised, regardless of the circumstances. Engaging emotionally but gently, while remaining faithful to the truth of Christ’s message, is positioned as a crucial approach in such difficult times.
House Church Movement: Benefits and Concerns
In contemplating the house church movement, the speaker notes the historical value of smaller gatherings in fostering community and discipleship. However, potential issues such as the centralization of power in a single leader and a lack of diverse gifts are acknowledged. The speaker stresses that both large and small churches come with their own inherent challenges, emphasizing the necessity for unity and correction among church members regardless of church size. Ultimately, the encouragement is to embrace various forms of church communities, with an awareness of the potential pitfalls inherent to each structure.
Addressing Childhood Questions about Jesus
A light-hearted inquiry about whether Jesus behaved as an average child is examined through the lens of biblical character and nature. The speaker asserts that while Jesus faced similar temptations as children do, he remained sinless throughout his life. This point emphasizes the human experience of Jesus while affirming his divine nature, making him a model for righteousness. By distinguishing between human struggles and sinless behavior, the speaker reinforces the understanding that Jesus exemplifies perfect obedience and faithfulness from a young age.
0:12 {People we Shouldn’t Pray For?} My father believes that there are people we do not (or should not) pray for. He backs it up with John 17:9, saying that it may even be a sin to pray for people we shouldn’t pray for. I would love to hear your thoughts!
8:22 {Truth in Love when Family is in Sin} My fiancé's sibling is transgender. I'm scared our future children will think it is a good thing and that it’s right. His family accepts this lifestyle unquestionably. I don't want to cut them out of our lives, but I don't know what else to do to protect our family. How can I be obedient to God and still be loving to his sibling and the rest of the family?
12:43 {Spiritual vs. Political Progressivism} Isn't Progressive Christianity simply the outcome of forcing progressive/leftist ideology onto Christianity? Should we even make the distinction between politically & religiously progressive beliefs?
19:04 {Witnessing to a Dying Loved One} My grandpa is dying, and doesn't have long. He has dementia/Alzheimer’s now and has never been a Christian. Is it too late to share the Gospel with him? If not, how do I do it effectively?
23:32 {About House Churches} What do you think of the house church movement (Francis Chan)?
29:04 {About Levirate Marriages} Why did God endorse levirate marriage? Isn’t it wrong to pressure a man to marry someone he doesn’t want to? And since marriage will supposedly end in Heaven, is love not a factor for God?
35:08 {Must Pastors be Married?} Does 1 Timothy 3:2 mean that I must have a wife to be a pastor? What about a man who doesn’t have a wife?
40:56 {Are Illusionists’ Tricks Sinful?} Is there anything wrong with learning sleight of hand magic or using it in evangelism?
46:16 {About Marriage in Heaven} In Matthew 22:23-29, Jesus rebukes the Sadducees for trying to trap Him, saying they don’t know the Scriptures. Where in the Scriptures is this topic of marriage in Heaven mentioned?
51:03 {About the Census: Luke 2} Is there any extrabiblical evidence for the census in Luke 2? I heard it would be a pretty dumb idea to send people to their place of birth if you later want them to pay taxes from their current home.
57:46 {About Jesus’ Divinity Upon His Death} Was Jesus still fully God when He died? What happened to His divinity between God "turning His face away" and the resurrection?
1:01:37 {Navigating Marital Struggles} What should a Christian wife do if her husband doesn't want to work on their marriage, expects her to do almost everything when it comes to responsibilities, and doesn't provide enough for her needs?
1:06:09 {Overcoming Self-Consciousness} Mike how can we be less self-aware or self-conscious? It stops me from preaching to anybody because my thoughts tell me I'm being disingenuous.
1:09:00 {Ideas for What to Pray About} I have issues praying every day because I feel like I don’t have anything to pray about. What would you suggest, to help with this?
1:10:49 {Is Islam an “Abrahamic Faith” that Saves?} How do I defend the Christian faith with my family when they always bring up Genesis 22:18, arguing that Islam can also lead to salvation because it's an Abrahamic faith?
1:16:01 {Should I Correct my Christian Boss?} I work for a company that is owned by a professing Christian. He makes inappropriate jokes. I don't know if rebuking or correcting my boss is proper or not. How do I go about this?
1:20:08 {Catholic vs. SDA School for Children?} Would it be better to send my children to a Catholic School or a 7th Day Adventist school? We are looking to take our children out of public schools, and these are the two options available to us.
1:22:28 {Guiding a Wayward Teen} How do I respond to my 17 year old daughter who is persistent in being with her boyfriend who is an unbeliever and has fallen into sexual immorality?
1:25:48 {Can Fathers “Veto” Who their Daughters Marry?} We moved and are visiting a new church. The Pastor is teaching on marriage. He used 2 Corinthians 11:2 (KJV) to say that fathers can “veto” who their daughters marry. Is this a biblical view?
1:29:48 {Was Jesus ever Naughty as a Child?} Maybe a bit of a silly question, but do you think Jesus was an average naughty child or was He perfect as a child, too?
HERE is the video on the senior pastor who said God is pro-choice.
HERE is the link to an article on how "Progressive Christians" are more political.
This is the book by Craig Blomberg on the reliability of the Gospels. He has a section on the census and Quirinius in it.
