In this engaging discussion, Pastor Mike, a thoughtful leader known for his deep insights on faith, tackles several intriguing questions. He explores whether faith is merely a family tradition and how that impacts personal belief. The conversation dives into the implications of wealth and poverty in Heaven and whether Apostle Paul might have been married or widowed. Additionally, they dissect the complexities of doubt in faith and address the sensitive topic of praying to Mary, providing scriptural responses to common inquiries.
The genetic fallacy highlights that judging faith as mere family tradition undermines the basis for questioning belief systems generally.
Philosophical arguments and evidence of design suggest that God's existence offers the best explanation for the universe's complexity.
The potential for varying rewards in heaven emphasizes fulfilling roles in God's kingdom rather than traditional notions of wealth and hierarchy.
Understanding suffering as purposeful aligns with biblical teachings, encouraging believers to view trials as opportunities for spiritual growth.
Deep dives
Understanding the Genesis of Faith
The discussion highlights the concept of the genetic fallacy, which posits that an argument is invalid if based solely on its origin rather than its content. This is significant in critiquing the notion that one’s faith is simply a product of familial or cultural upbringing. The argument is illustrated with a counter-example, where questioning someone's belief in Christianity based on their background inadvertently undermines the questioning individual’s own beliefs, suggesting that everyone’s beliefs, including their disbelief, are similarly influenced by upbringing. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes the need to justify one’s faith with sound reasons beyond mere tradition.
Philosophical Evidence for God's Existence
Various compelling arguments for the existence of God are presented, addressing fundamental philosophical questions such as why there is something rather than nothing. The speaker contends that God is the best explanation for the existence of the universe, positing that contingent beings rely on a non-contingent first cause. Additionally, evidence of design within the universe and biological systems is noted, asserting that God’s existence is indicated by this intricate design. By examining moral realism and the human consciousness, the speaker argues that God provides the best foundation for understanding morality and human nature.
Affirmation of Christ's Resurrection
Evidence supporting the resurrection of Jesus is underscored as a pivotal aspect of Christian belief. Historical data indicates significant support for the resurrection, demonstrating that skepticism toward such events often stems from biases against the possibility of miracles. The speaker shares personal experiences from studying the resurrection, noting the unexpected abundance of historical evidence. This exploration invites listeners to reevaluate their predetermined views on the miraculous and consider the evidence critically, rather than dismissively.
Understanding Eternal Rewards
The concept of differing rewards in heaven raises questions about its implications for believers. Scriptural references suggest that rewards are associated with responsibilities, indicating that while all believers experience heavenly satisfaction, some may hold greater responsibilities in the eternal realm. The speaker notes that these varying rewards do not translate to a hierarchy of wealth but rather reflect the roles individuals may take on in God’s kingdom. Overall, the emphasis remains on eternal fulfillment and the joy of fellowship among believers, rather than materialistic notions of wealth.
The Nature of God and Suffering
A nuanced understanding of the relationship between God and human suffering is explored through biblical references. The speaker suggests that the ability to suffer with purpose aligns with scriptural teachings about the inevitability of trials, which can lead to spiritual growth. By highlighting that God can use suffering for a greater purpose, the speaker encourages a mindset that views trials not merely as hardships but as opportunities for spiritual development. This perspective fosters a deeper understanding of faith, prompting individuals to embrace their struggles as part of a larger divine plan.
Debunking Misconceptions About Personal Experience
The complexities of personal spiritual experiences are addressed, particularly the challenge of using such experiences as evidence of God's reality to others. The speaker acknowledges that while personal experiences can provide affirmation for oneself, they may not hold the same weight for an outside observer. This distinction is crucial as it emphasizes the need for objective evidence and reasoning when discussing faith with non-believers. In this context, personal experiences are validated as meaningful yet recognized as insufficient for convincing others without corroborating evidence.
The Role of Scripture in Understanding Faith
The conversation delves into the mindset of some believers who seek validation of their faith only through emotional or experiential means rather than scriptural backing. This creates a dilemma, as true understanding of faith must be grounded in the teachings of scripture, which provide a firm foundation for belief. By emphasizing scripture as the ultimate authority, the speaker answers skepticism about the authenticity of faith, reiterating that emotions or experiences should not overshadow the objectively presented truths of the Bible. This reinforces the importance of balancing personal feelings with sound biblical doctrine.
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:43 {Faith = Just a Family Tradition?} My husband believes that faith comes about by family tradition, and that someone's faith is just an expression of what their family has taught them rather than actual faith in God. What does the bible say about this? 2. 20:34 {Wealth & Poverty in Heaven} If we all get different wealth in Heaven based on our deeds on Earth, won’t that create a situation where some people are poor and some are rich? And what happens once we spend it all? 3. 25:28 {Was Paul Married? Widowed?} Acts 26:9-10: "...cast my vote" has implications that Paul was in the Sanhedrin (also residing over Stephen's trial in 8:1), which would have required him to be married (even though that requirement wasn't recorded until later; I'm guessing it was still implemented). Could Paul have been married? Perhaps widowed? 4. 30:04 {Did Saul Know who David Was?} Why at the end of 1 Samuel 16 did the author emphasize David's service to and recognition by Saul, but in 1 Samuel 17, Saul didn't seem to even know who David was (no one seemed to know him for that matter)? 5. 35:40 {Is Doubting OK?} I love Mark 9:24 - “I believe, help my unbelief.” But how do we understand that along with James 1:6-8 which says to ask in faith with no doubting, as the one who doubts will not receive anything from the Lord? 6. 41:10 {Should We Pray to Mary?} How can I respond with Scripture to a Catholic friend who says, “Mary is the mother of Jesus, so why wouldn’t you seek help from her? Jesus wouldn’t like you disrespecting His mom in any way”? 7. 48:25 {Are Our Souls Truly Immortal?} I was raised in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and they say that the belief in an immortal/immaterial soul is Pagan in origin and has no basis in the Bible. Is this true? 8. 52:30 {The Fruit of False Prophets} In Matthew 7:15-20, what are the fruits of the false prophets? The teaching? The followers? The acts? Or something else? 9. 57:36 {Leading with Proper Wisdom} In light of 1 Corinthians 3:18, how can I lead others spiritually with wisdom without considering myself to be wise? 10. 1:01:35 {Will God Give Up on Repetitive Sinners?} I suffer from same-sex attraction. I fight it, but sometimes I give in. Will God give up on me at some point if I give in? 11. 1:07:35 {Premarital Cohabitation Without Sex?} Is it OK for me and my long-distance girlfriend to stay in an Air BnB for a couple of months if we do not fall into sexual sin, but are not married? 12. 1:10:31 {Must Christians Attend Church?} Do you have to attend church to be a Christian? 13. 1:14:18 {When Other Faiths Pray for Us} When people of other religions pray for us and we see these prayers answered, how do we reconcile that with Christianity? Does that mean all faiths are good? 14. 1:18:32 {Why did Jesus Die if Humans Still Die?} If the payment for sin is death, and both believers and non-believers will die anyways, then why did Jesus have to die for us? Was it for a chance at us entering Heaven? 15. 1:21:53 {Did Augustine Consider the Apocrypha Canon?} How would you respond to those who point out that Augustine considered the Apocrypha as canon? 16. 1:24:40 {Satan’s Fall in Luke 10} Could you shed some light on what Jesus meant in Luke 10:18? Is Jesus talking about Satan's initial fall here, and what purpose does it serve in the passage? 17. 1:28:58 {OCD-Like Prayers} Any thoughts on struggles with OCD-like prayers? Ex: feeling the need to pray for protection over family members every day in fear that something bad will happen to them if I don’t. 18. 1:33:55 {God Didn’t Reveal Himself?} What do you tell an atheist who says he looked for God and God didn't reveal Himself to him? And in general, what do you make of the argument of nonresistant non-believers? 19. 1:40:16 {How to Hear God’s Voice} What does it mean to hear God's voice? Many teachings say to listen to your thoughts and discern God's voice. Is this even Biblical, or is it a cliche? Reminds me of imagination (visions/prophecy). 20. 1:45:13 {Why did God Change OT Names?} Why does God change the name of Abram to Abraham, Saul to Paul, and Sarai to Sarah? Is there a meaning behind this?
To ask a question during our next session, all you need to do is wait till after the stream starts (which means waiting until I'm actually on screen talking), post a question in the live chat with a Q at the opening of it, and be as clear as you can. Thanks!
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