Theology Q&A Q&A: Apart from God, Hebrews 11 and Infant Faith, Life in the New Heaven, Against the Devil, Near Death Experiences, Confession Absolution and Revivalism, and the Power of Positive Thinking
Dec 4, 2025
Pastors Bryan and Andrew dive into what humans can accomplish apart from God's strength. They discuss infant faith, emphasizing the power of baptism and parental assurance. The conversation shifts to spiritual warfare, highlighting prayer as a key defense against evil. Near-death experiences are examined with caution, advocating scripture-based discernment. They critique revivalism and stress that true revival stems from daily repentance. The discussion wraps up with a look at the limitations of positive thinking in the Christian faith.
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Dependent Freedom Under God
- We are contingent beings whose existence and every action depend on God's sustaining power.
- God gives limited freedom, but all choice and life rest on His providence and Spirit.
Infant Faith Is Saving, Not Reflective
- Distinguish saving faith from reflective faith; infants can possess saving faith without reflective self-awareness.
- Jesus presents children as paradigms of faith, so infant faith cannot be excluded.
Baby Voices Illustrate Trust
- Pr. Andrew Packer uses newborns recognizing parents' voices to illustrate nonverbal trust as faith.
- Parents intuitively know their baby's trust without verbal confession, similar to baptismal faith.
