20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 92)

Jan 27, 2023

The discussion opens with whether true Christians can be possessed by demons, emphasizing spiritual warfare. Plagiarism in preaching sparks debate, while the appropriateness of pastors discussing politics is also explored. Listeners seek clarity on evangelism, addressing feelings of inadequacy in knowledge. Curious minds ponder Jesus' sacrifice in relation to Old Testament scripture. Insights into beliefs surrounding Heaven's age and a popular denomination highlight the complexities of faith and open dialogue.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Navigating Spiritual Warfare and Ministry Challenges

01:58 • 38min

The Ideal Age in Heaven: Speculations on Glorified Bodies

39:53 • 4min

Navigating the Complexities of Church of Christ Doctrine

44:10 • 2min

Understanding the Sinner's Identity in Christianity

46:04 • 6min

Navigating Church Leadership and Identity

52:16 • 44min

Exploring Spiritual Gifts

01:36:08 • 4min

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:19 {Can a Christian Have a Demon?} Can a true Christian be “possessed” or have demons?
12:33 {About Plagiarism in Preaching} Plagiarism in preaching seems to be on the rise. In Philippians 1:15-18, Paul seems to be saying the end justifies the means when preaching. Is this an accurate interpretation, and applicable to plagiarism?
20:09 {Should Pastors Discuss Politics?} Should pastors avoid discussing current political issues with their congregation?
24:19 {How Smart Must We Be to Evangelize?} I often get overwhelmed because it seems that I need to know EVERYTHING about EVERY topic (history, science, linguistics, etc.) to be able to defend the faith. Do you have any advice?
27:35 {Jesus’ Sacrifice Contradicted?} Does Deuteronomy 24:16 contradict Jesus' sacrifice?
33:26 {When Will Every Tongue Confess?} When do you think Philippians 2:10-11 will be fulfilled? At the end of the millennium, at Armageddon, or throughout the future at different stages? I think Romans 14:10-12 gives us some insight.
36:24 {Sharing Truth with a Defensive Person} My husband doesn't believe in the Trinity and gets so defensive when I try to talk to him about the true God. Should I not bring it up anymore and just live as an example?
40:01 {How Old Will We Be in Heaven?} How old will we be in Heaven?
44:09 {About the “Church of Christ”} Do you have any insight on Church of Christ doctrine? I have a friend I'm planning to open a dialogue with who is in the Church of Christ. I see works based salvation emphasized, but need help.
46:05 {Are Believers Still “Sinners”?} I was wondering, when we get saved, are we still “sinners”? I know that after being saved we sometimes sin. But does that still label us as sinners? I thought we were new creations.
52:27 {Is the Senior Pastor Role Biblical?} Why do so many churches have a “head” pastor that does mostly all the teaching when God gives teaching gifts and words to many people?
57:27 {Cowardice in the Book of Jonah?} Were the mariners and shipmaster selfish cowards and Pagans in Jonah 1:5-15? Even with drowning in a stormy sea, I sense hesitation to discard Jonah to save their own lives.
1:04:43 {Mercy vs. Sacrifice} What does Jesus mean when He says, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” in Matthew 9:12-13?
1:08:17 {Can Coffee be Addictive?} Does proverbs 25:28 apply to coffee? A lot of people are addicted to coffee, and without drinking coffee they get headaches and other problems. Does that mean it is sinful?
1:13:38 {About the Nicolaitans} Isn't Jesus hating the Nicolaitans in Revelation 2:6 out of character? Also, who were they? I hear they were a cult from the Nicholas of Acts 6, one of the 7 deacons.
1:20:32 {The Destruction of Jerusalem} Do you think that Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70? Or do you think the passages people refer to are only about end times events that have not been fulfilled yet?
1:23:26 {Living Together if a Couple Abstains?} Is living together without being married while abstaining living in sin? I don't know how to deal with so many Christians that think it's OK, in light of 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.
1:27:34 {Parental Guidance – Sexual Identities} HELP! My wife and I have access to our kids’ text messages. We discovered our daughter texted a friend that she wants to tell us that she's "coming out as bi-sexual.” What do we do?
1:33:37 {Can Christians Serve in the Military?} I was curious what your thoughts are on the modern American military and if Christians can/should serve in it.
1:36:15 {Are there Additional Spiritual Gifts?} Are there more spiritual gifts than those talked about in the Bible?

CLICK HERE for my video explaining 6 different views of Revelation/end times.

I also referenced THIS VIDEO explaining what Jesus meant in the prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD as well as His second coming.

To ask a question in a future session, just wait until after the you see me live on screen and send your question in through the live chat with a "Q" at the beginning. If possible, include specific verse references and write your question as clearly as possible. Thanks!