Pastor Mike, a dedicated church leader, dives into intriguing topics that spark thoughtful discussions. He addresses whether churches should keep records of giving, questioning the balance of privacy and accountability. The conversation takes a theological turn exploring biblical absolution of sins and the significance of new names in Heaven. He also tackles concerns about changing one's appearance and its implications on faith. Finally, Mike shares insights on navigating feelings of obedience and repentance as a believer, providing comfort and clarity.
Pastor Mike discusses the diversity of perspectives in his bookshelf, emphasizing that not all books reflect his personal views but serve as valuable resources.
He highlights the importance of personal conviction in tithing, asserting that giving should stem from genuine belief rather than societal pressure.
Pastor Mike contrasts the concept of absolution in Catholicism with biblical teachings, asserting that forgiveness is direct and personal, not mediated through rituals.
Deep dives
Bookshelf Tour and Myths
The initial segment discusses a bookshelf tour undertaken by Pastor Mike, addressing common questions about his book collection. He dispels the myth that his books appear blue due to lighting effects, clarifying that the color is an illusion caused by LED strips used for lighting. He shares insights on several notable books in his collection, such as a textbook on hallucinations that counters the theory of collective hallucinations among the disciples. Additionally, he emphasizes that not all books represent his views, as he holds both conservative and liberal perspectives across various topics.
Complexity of Book Choices
Pastor Mike continues to clarify that his bookshelf contains a mix of well-known resources and texts he may not fully endorse. He highlights the presence of books with conflicting views, such as those supporting both young and old Earth creationism, indicating that he considers diverse perspectives valuable for personal growth. He also shares the usefulness of apologetic resources for addressing common challenges faced by Christians, especially those heading to college, emphasizing that each book has its merit, depending on the context. He acknowledges the evolution of his bookshelf over the years, both in organization and in the sheer volume of resources, which can't all be covered in detail.
Misconceptions About His Library
Another significant theme is dispelling myths about the contents and organization of his library. Pastor Mike informs listeners that many of his books are spread over multiple shelves, not confined to the two visible in the video. He candidly admits to having a mix of academic, theological, and some unconventional texts that reflect his long-term interest in various subjects, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This candidness serves to remind viewers that his literary collection doesn't equate to full endorsement or total agreement with each author, which influences how he shares resources with others.
The Nature of Giving and Membership
Pastor Mike addresses a question regarding the requirement for church employees to report their tithing and the discomfort one feels about giving anonymously. He draws from his own experience where he was discreet about his giving and faced awkwardness regarding perceptions of his faith by peers. Through this example, he highlights the inconsistency in external expressions of faith, pointing out that giving should primarily result from personal conviction rather than societal expectations. Pastor Mike encourages viewers to maintain their integrity and to navigate such church requirements while remaining true to their understanding of biblical stewardship.
Understanding Absolution and Forgiveness
The discussion transitions into an exploration of the concept of absolution in Christianity, contrasting the Catholic view with biblical principles of forgiveness. Pastor Mike emphasizes that while forgiveness is fundamental in Christian teaching, the method of granting absolution as practiced in the Catholic Church adds layers not supported by Scripture. Referring to key scriptures, he argues that Jesus's teachings focus on personal and direct relationships with God rather than through a priestly intermediary. Ultimately, he reminds listeners that genuine forgiveness is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ without the need for rituals or human intermediaries.
The Dual Aspect of Temptation
In addressing the apparent contradiction between James 1's statement that God cannot be tempted with evil and the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4, Pastor Mike clarifies the definitions within those contexts. He explains that James speaks to God's nature, stating that He is not plagued by evil desires, hence cannot tempt others with evil. Meanwhile, Jesus experiences temptation as a human being, faced with scenarios that could divert him from his divine mission. Pastor Mike elaborates that while Jesus was genuinely tempted, He remained sinless, highlighting the distinction between internal desires and external temptations.
0:14 {Bookshelf Tour!} When can we get a bookshelf tour?
11:48 {Should Churches Keep Records of Giving?} My church requires all employees to give to the church (in general; any amount is fine). They pulled me aside to ask why I haven’t been giving, and when I told them I was, but that I felt better giving anonymously in the offering plate rather than having a record attached to my name, they told me it needed to be tracked. Am I wrong for feeling weird about this, or are they?
17:49 {Is Absolution or Absolving of Sins Biblical?} Does John 20:23 and Matthew 6:14 indicate that absolution (the act of forgiving someone for having done something wrong or sinful) is biblical?
23:52 {New Names in Heaven?} Do you have any insight about Revelation 2:17, specifically about the implication of new names in Heaven?
29:07 {Is Changing our Appearance Sinful?} Would changing our appearance in any way be a sin since God has created us in His image? For example, if we wear makeup, is that covering our natural beauty? And if we shave our body, is that destroying the beauty God has given us?
33:53 {Am I Obedient Enough? Repentant Enough?} I have recently been worrying a lot about whether I am obedient enough, repentant enough, or believing enough to be a real Christian. How can I biblically deal with this struggle?
39:55 {Why Does Jesus Conceal the Meaning of Things?} In Luke 9:44-45, why would Jesus tell His disciples this, only to have the meaning concealed? Why tell them if it wasn’t meant for them to understand?
43:52 {Raising Dead & Healing for Today?} Raising the Dead: Should we practice Matthew 10:8 today, or has the command to heal, cast out demons, and raise the dead ceased?
47:53 {Why is Abraham Commended for being with Hagar?} Why is Abraham commended for his faith when he tries to conceive a son through his slave, Hagar? Isn't that an indication that he had a moment where he lacked faith?
50:24 {Can the Deceased Hear/See Us?} Do you think that dead people can hear us and see what’s happening in our world?
55:40 {Discerning God’s Voice} How can I tell when the Holy Spirit is talking to me? Ever since hearing a sermon about a pastor's conviction to spend more time with God, I think I’m hearing God ask for more time when I close my Bible.
59:56 {Encouragement amid Infertility} My husband and I have struggled to have a baby, and I have had Psalm 127:3 on my mind. It makes me feel like there is something I need to do, and a lack of faith. What is the context of the “reward”?
1:04:18 {Why Can I Be Saved, But Not Judas?} Heartbreakingly, I have betrayed Christ for things worth far less than 30 pieces of silver. What is fundamentally different between Judas and me? Why can I still be saved, but he couldn’t?
1:06:36 {Who are the Called According to His Purpose?} Given the way Romans 8:28 is worded, I am wondering: are all people called according to His purpose, or only those of us who love Him?
1:09:27 {Hot? Cold? Lukewarm?} What does Jesus mean in Revelation 3:16 when He says it’s better to be hot or cold than lukewarm?
1:13:50 {Could Cain Still Be Alive?} How do you feel about the Bible conspiracy that Cain is still alive somehow and is wandering the Earth to this day?
1:15:20 {Witnessing to Stubborn Family Members} Does “shaking the dust off your feet” (Matthew 10: 14) ever apply to family? Or are we to always endure in witnessing to family, despite continual rejection?
1:18:15 {Was Jesus’ Analogy Flawed?} Someone's response to Matthew 5:13 was “How can salt lose its saltiness? If it wasn’t salty, it wouldn't be salt.” I understand what Jesus is saying here, but does this mean Jesus’ analogy was flawed?
1:20:43 {Principles for Offering Advice to Others} What are some good steps to giving advice to fellow Christians without coming across as condescending and patronizing?
1:24:06 {How Could Jesus Have Been Tempted?} How can we reconcile James 1 which says God cannot be tempted with evil with the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4?
CLICK HERE for my video on predestination, election, foreknowledge, etc. in Romans 8:28-29
CLICK HERE for my video on how Jesus could be tempted by Satan
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