Pastor Mike, a spiritual leader deeply engaged in faith discussions, tackles intriguing topics. He explains the meaning behind "working out your salvation with fear and trembling," and debates if non-believers can bear the fruits of the Spirit. He provides insights into honoring parents during marital strife and explores the balance of sharing tough truths without alienating listeners. Additionally, he offers perspectives on the biblical decree to abstain from blood, prompting reflective discussion on righteousness and sincerity in faith.
The phrase 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling' emphasizes a collaborative process between believers and God in faith expression.
Pastor Mike argues against the Jehovah's Witnesses' claim that Jesus rose as a spirit, affirming His bodily resurrection instead.
Honor your parents while maintaining marital harmony requires biblical love and patience, especially with growing family responsibilities.
Believers can demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, but its presence in non-Christians raises theological questions worth exploring.
Addressing tough societal issues requires balancing honesty and love to maintain the Gospel's attraction without compromising truth.
Deep dives
Understanding 'Working Out Salvation'
The phrase 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling' from Philippians 2:12 emphasizes the collaborative process between the believer and God in achieving salvation. This verse is not about working for salvation as an achievement but is focused on the active role of believers in expressing their faith through actions. Paul clarifies in verse 13 that it is God who is at work within believers, granting them both the desire and ability to do His will. Hence, the 'working out' refers to the manifestation of an already established salvation that leads to holy living and communal health within the Christian context.
Satan's Defeat and Ongoing Evil
Although Satan was ultimately defeated through Christ's death and resurrection, the presence of evil persists due to the ongoing spiritual battle and the choice of humanity. Many people have not accepted the salvation offered by Christ, leaving room for evil to operate in human lives. This period of grace allows for the potential for more people to come to faith, even as evil continues to exist in the world. Ultimately, a day will come when Christ will fully eradicate all evil, and until then, believers are called to live in the victory that has already been won.
Hyper-Charismatic Defined
The term 'hyper-charismatic' typically refers to individuals or groups that embrace charismatic beliefs and experiences to an exaggerated degree, often to the detriment of theological soundness. This can manifest in practices like excessive emotionalism, chaotic worship environments, or a focus on personal revelations that do not align with scripture. A hyper-charismatic group may prioritize signs and wonders without grounding their beliefs in the broader biblical narrative, leading to potential misinterpretations and misleading teachings. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a balance between spiritual experiences and doctrinal integrity.
God's Sovereignty and Accountability
In the case of Achan in Joshua 7, the principle of corporate responsibility within families and communities is illustrated, suggesting that sin can have collective consequences. Achan's actions led to not only his judgment but that of his entire household, emphasizing the importance of accountability in community settings. This principle often aligns with the understanding that familial and communal structures can either uplift or bring about the downfall of their members due to shared decisions and actions. While Ezekiel 18:20 speaks to individual accountability, the story of Achan reflects how a single individual's sin can lead to suffering for others.
Scriptural Basis for Personal Bible Reading
The importance of reading the Bible outside of church is underscored throughout scripture, as believers are encouraged to meditate on God's Word continually, as seen in Psalm 1:2. Individual study of the Bible fosters personal growth and understanding, allowing believers to form their own relationship with God through His Word. Additionally, Jesus’ teachings often emphasize the need for continual engagement with Scripture, reinforcing that the practice of reading and studying the Bible should extend beyond the walls of the church. Therefore, embedding Bible reading into daily routines enhances spiritual maturity and equips believers to live out their faith.
Wrath of God in Context
In 2 Kings 3:27, the actions of the Moabite king and the subsequent consequences highlight the intricate relationship between human decisions and divine sovereignty. The Moabite king’s offering of his son may have incited a perceived wrath against Israel, but this seems to stem from the spiritual dynamics at play, where God’s favor is contingent on the faithfulness of His people. This passage underscores the reality that while God's promises are true, His chosen people must remain obedient to experience victory. It invites readers to reflect on God’s control over both situations of apparent defeat and the ultimate assurance of His power.
Literal vs. Figurative Temple in Heaven
The question of whether the temple in heaven is literal or figurative often invites diverse interpretations within Christian theology. Some argue that the biblical descriptions of the heavenly temple, as found in Revelation, are to be understood as symbolic representations of God's presence among His people. Others propose a literal comprehension, suggesting that the temple serves as a real space within the heavenly realms that reflects the worship of God. Ultimately, while the temple may have earthy parallels in the tabernacle and the Old Testament temple, its precise nature remains a topic for exploration and personal conviction.
Addressing Gaming and Time Management
In discussing concerns about a spouse's time spent on gaming or consuming meaningless content, it's vital to approach the topic with sensitivity and understanding. Engaging in a calm conversation that highlights shared values, particularly regarding family time and model behavior for children, can create an open dialogue. Frame the discussion around the potential impact of excessive gaming and media on family dynamics rather than outright condemnation. By expressing love and concern, couples can navigate these issues while recognizing each other's perspectives, leading to constructive changes.
Yahweh's Sovereignty Over Other Gods
In examining the account of Yahweh and the God of Moab in 2 Kings 3, it is essential to clarify the context regarding God's ultimate authority. Although the events might seem to depict a loss, scripture consistently reveals that no false god holds power over Yahweh. The outcome of this conflict serves to illustrate how divine sovereignty operates within the framework of human decision-making and the consequences of sin. By recognizing the greater narrative of God’s control, believers can understand that earthly battles do not diminish God’s authority but may instead reflect His strategic purposes.
The Role of Sacrifice in Scripture
The significance of sacrifice within biblical texts often indicates deep spiritual truths about devotion and the cost of sin. In the history of Israel, sacrifices were permitted by God as temporary coverings for sin, leading up to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. In moments of crisis, like that of the Moabite king sacrificing his son, the act serves not only as a desperate plea for victory but also symbolizes the gravity of sin and its implications. Understanding the theological framework of sacrifices in scripture enables believers to grasp the magnitude of Christ's atoning sacrifice and its transformative implications for humanity.
0:56 {“Work Out” My Salvation??} What does it mean to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? Is that a literal statement?
20:14 {Did Jesus Bodily Rise if He Appeared in the Flesh?} Jehovah's Witnesses claim that Jesus was resurrected as a spirit only (not a bodily resurrection) since He appeared in a locked room, and if He was in the flesh He couldn't have done that. What are your thoughts in response to this?
25:06 {Honoring Parents through Marital Friction} How can I honor and love my parents biblically when they take offense at and criticize my wife and I for every little thing we do? It's making my wife anxious, and we're going to have a baby. We want a relationship with them, but they seem committed to bitterness.
30:44 {Can Non-Believers bear the Fruit of the Spirit?} Can someone who is not a Christian show the fruit of the Spirit?
34:28 {Will Sharing Tough Truth Ruin our Witness?} I'm afraid to talk about issues like abortion, LGBT, etc. for fear that I'll turn people off so much that they won't listen AT ALL when I try to share the Gospel. How can I resolve this?
43:54 {How Do We “Abstain from Blood” Today?} How, as 21st century Christians, should we understand the decree for gentile believers to abstain from blood (Acts 15:20, 28, 29)?
53:28 {Are there Really Any “Righteous” People?} Do the Righteous live by faith, or is no one Righteous? How do we reconcile these ideas without compromising their original meaning?
58:38 {Does Sincerity = Salvation?} I have a Muslim friend that I speak with regularly about God. I am a firm Christian, but I question how other God-fearing people who have been indoctrinated into a specific religion are not saved.
1:04:17 {Could the HS be Feminine?} Could the Holy Spirit be feminine? A biblically sound, wiser, older Christian in my life is unsure about this. He brings up decent arguments affirming this view, but then there's John 15:26. Thoughts?
1:09:01 {Has God Hidden What We Need to Know?} What are your thoughts on Mathew 11:25? I was raised in the Branham cult where there is a great deal of anti-intellectualism. They also claim that God has blinded most Christians from Branham.
1:14:41 {Will We Receive Anything We Ask of God?} The Bible says, “Ask and you shall receive.” I asked Jesus to save my mother, but He didn’t. Then why did He say, “Ask and you shall receive”?
1:21:03 {Resolving Translational Differences} Why does 1 Corinthians 11:16 seem to have opposite meanings depending on the translation? How should we understand it?
1:24:30 {Missing Verses? Is My Bible Reliable?} I've just learned that some Bibles are missing passages. How should we approach the Bible knowing some verses have been left out?
1:32:27 {Why Is There Still Evil on Earth?} My 10-year-old wants to know, if Satan was defeated, then why is there still evil on the planet? I couldn’t think of a good way to answer her. Help?
1:36:43 {What is “Hyper-Charismatic”?} Please explain what "hyper-charismatic” means. Thank you.
1:39:27 {Why was Achan’s Household Punished?} Ezekiel 18:20 says that the son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father. How do you explain the story of Achan in Joshua 7:25 where he and his household were stoned and burned because of his sin?
1:47:17 {Did YHWH Lose to the “god” of Moab?} Did Yahweh lose to the god of Moab in 2 Kings 3:27?
1:58:54 {Is There a Temple in Heaven?} Is there a literal temple in Heaven, or is that meant to be understood figuratively? I have always understood that the temple/tabernacle on Earth were to represent truths about Heaven.
1:59:54 {Using Time Wisely in Marriage} My husband likes to spend hours on meaningless videos or gaming. How can I talk to him about how he spends his time as a Christian, especially that our young kids see this?
2:02:24 {Why is Bible Reading Important?} How is it important to read our Bibles outside of the church setting? And is there scripture to back this up? Why is it important to you to read your Bible?
CLICK HERE for my video on how Jehovah's Witnesses say that Jesus never physically rose from the dead
Does Acts teach us to follow the Law of Moses? Response to Hebrew Roots teachings: CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE for my teaching on the Serpent Seed Doctrine and the Branham cult
CLICK HERE for my study of the "name-it-and-claim-it" verse
