Pastor Mike, a thoughtful theologian and church leader, dives into fascinating discussions about faith and authority. He unpacks what it means to reign with Christ in a perfect world and the role of authority in eternity. Curiously, he reflects on the 'good thief' on the cross and the meaning behind leftover food from biblical miracles. The conversation also covers the emotional complexities of hate versus love in faith, while encouraging listeners to weigh their vocational choices against their spiritual needs.
Believers will reign with Christ in heaven, demonstrating the positive role of authority in a perfect, sinless universe.
Engaging with scripture fosters a biblical mindset, encouraging a community of believers to explore faith and complex questions together.
Developing emotional honesty with God enhances spiritual growth, allowing for deeper connections and authentic relationships with others.
Deep dives
The Importance of Biblical Thinking
The speaker emphasizes the significance of developing a biblical mindset by engaging with scripture. This involves learning to view life's challenges and questions through the lens of biblical teachings. Rather than claiming to have all the answers, the speaker encourages listeners to explore their faith while processing complex topics together. This approach fosters a community of believers seeking to deepen their understanding of God's word.
Ruling and Authority in the New Creation
The podcast discusses the concept of believers reigning with Christ in heaven, as referenced in Revelation 3:21 and Matthew 19:27-28. The speaker explains that this future authority is tied to one’s connection with Jesus and is not merely a restoration of Edenic dominion but includes ruling over all creation. The authority in a sinless universe will serve to organize and lead, illustrating the inherent goodness of structures like authority and submission, even in the absence of sin. These themes are further explored through examples from scripture, emphasizing the varied roles believers may hold in the afterlife.
Exploring Healing and Spiritual Gifts
The conversation shifts to the topic of spiritual gifts, particularly healing, and the differing experiences individuals have when praying for healing. The speaker notes that while some may seem to have a consistent gift of healing, others may not see the same results in their prayers. He cites the need for earnest prayer, explaining that some situations require deeper commitment, like fasting, to achieve results. Ultimately, the message encourages individuals to seek out those with spiritual gifts when in need and understand that differing results in prayer do not diminish one's faith.
Understanding Authority in Context
The discussion revisits the topic of authority and submission, highlighting its essential nature even in a perfect, sinless environment. The speaker addresses misconceptions around authority, clarifying that it exists as a means of organization and mutual respect rather than control. He posits that true authority encourages positive interactions and relationships among people. This reevaluation of authority underscores its fundamental role in personal and communal relationships, even in an ideal future.
The Role of Emotions in Faith
The podcast touches on the relationship between emotions and faith, specifically the distinction between suppressing emotions and exercising self-control. The speaker advocates for openness in sharing one's feelings with God, encouraging listeners to pour out their heart in prayer. This can lead to personal healing and the cultivation of deeper connections with God and others. By expressing emotions rather than suppressing them, believers can enhance their spiritual journey and foster authenticity in their relationships.
Reflections on the Sabbath and God’s Rest
The final segment delves into the theological implications of God's rest on the seventh day as described in Genesis. The speaker explains that God's rest signifies the completion of creation rather than exhaustion. This day serves as a template for the weekly Sabbath, demonstrating the importance of rest not just from labor but also as a prefiguration of eternal peace in God's kingdom. Ultimately, it conveys a message about God's ongoing activity in the world, inviting believers to consider how they, too, can find rest and purpose in their spiritual walk.
Intro - 0:00 1. 1:05 {Our Reign With Christ & Purpose of Authority in Eternity} What does it mean that we will reign with Christ in Heaven? What use will there be for any kind of authority in a sinless universe where our righteousness and wisdom are perfect? 2. 9:54 {Study Resource Recommendations} Are there any non-Calvinist Systematic Theology books you recommend? 3. 11:50 {Biblical Hair Length of Movie Characters?} In Lord of the Rings, would you consider the hair length too long for some characters, such as Aragorn or Legolas? How do I apply 1 Corinthians 11 when designing characters for my own projects? 4. 16:35 {How Was the “Thief on the Cross” Saved?} How was the “good thief” in Luke 23:42 saved? He died without knowing Jesus' resurrection. Jesus tells him, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” but Christ doesn’t rise for 3 days. Confused! 5. 22:35 {Should We Hate Evildoers?} How do you talk to someone who claims the Christian faith but hates people groups because they are “haters of God and denied Jesus”? My friend won’t talk to me because I don’t hate evil people enough. 6. 26:24 {Meaning of the Leftover Miracle Food} What is the meaning of the 12 and 7 baskets left over from the feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000? 7. 28:31 {Should I Leave My Job if I’m Kept from Church?} Due to work, I’m not able to go to church. should I look for another job so I can maintain fellowship, or should I just continue with the job I have now? 8. 31:36 {Why is the NAR Unbiblical?} Please explain why the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is unbiblical. 9. 38:32 {Is Heaven a Choice?} Does Revelation 22:17 mean that we have a choice to stay in Heaven (the last sentence specifically)? Would we be able to blink out of existence? Would this offend God? 10. 41:05 {How Would Adam & Eve Know Disobedience was Wrong?} If Adam and Eve didn’t have knowledge of good and evil, how would they know it is wrong to disobey God and eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? 11. 43:54 {Can We “Declare” things in Prayer?} What are your thoughts on “declarative prayer” or “positive confession” (e.g., “I declare revival for this city,” “I declare that this day is blessed,” etc.)? 12. 46:59 {About Boycotting Businesses} Should Christians boycott businesses paying for abortion travel? 13. 51:24 {How Deep in Theology to go while Evangelizing} How much of the doctrine of the Trinity do we need to explain while sharing the Gospel (especially when it comes to the hypostatic union)? 14. 52:34 {Was Jesus’ Second Coming Prophesied?} Is it clear in Old Testament prophecies that Jesus will come not only once, but twice? 15. 54:59 {Should We Settle On a Religion that “Feels Right”?} If a friend says they're looking for a religion that "feels right," how do I approach them if they’ve already left Christianity? 16. 59:22 {Will We Remember Unbelievers in Eternity?} After a believer dies, will they remember their loved ones who were unbelievers? I understand "perfect peace," but that doesn’t answer the question. 17. 1:04:29 {Why Do Two Peoples’ Prayers Yield Different Results?} Why do some people have a gift of healing that works when they pray for people, but I can’t do the same? If we are praying to the same God, why do two peoples’ prayers give different results? 18. 1:07:50 {Choosing Biblical Homeschooling Resources} We homeschool, and one of the most popular "Christian" curricula happens to be from a Mormon. I keep going back and forth over if I should use it because it's very solid academically. Advice? 19. 1:09:27 {Handling our Emotions Biblically} What's the difference between suppressing our emotions vs. having self-control over our emotions? I struggle to show positive/negative emotions to God/others, and I seem to distrust God/others with my emotions. 20. 1:13:15 {Did God Rest for More than 1 Day?} In the beginning of Genesis, it says God rested on day 7, but considering no creation happens beyond day 7, didn't He technically rest for more than 1 day, or am I misunderstanding something? Also, is it possible to ask you to pray for me? I'm getting baptized on Sunday and I hope my unsaved friends and family turn to Christ when they watch.
I take questions from the live chat. Start your question with "Q" and try to include one or two specific verse references if you have them. Due to the number of questions we get I can't possibly answer them all so I apologize if you send one in that doesn't get an answer.
My website, with countless hours of free, searchable content: https://BibleThinker.org
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