Chris Hilken, a thoughtful leader and participant in a lively Q&A at a recent retreat, tackles some deep theological questions. He discusses hell as the absence of God and clarifies the significance of baptism, underscoring obedience to Christ. Gambling gets a nuanced take, as Chris balances permissibility with potential risks. He also explores humanity's desire to colonize space, interpreting it as a quest for knowledge rather than rebellion against God. The conversation takes intriguing turns, covering everything from smoking to the meaning of divine intent.
The concept of hell is examined through kenosis, suggesting emotional suffering arises from the absence of God's presence rather than physical pain.
Baptism is important in Christianity as an act of obedience, but personal faith in Jesus is paramount for salvation, as illustrated by the thief on the cross.
Deep dives
Understanding Hell Through Kenosis
The concept of hell is explored through the idea of kenosis, which refers to God emptying himself of certain divine attributes. This understanding suggests that while God has the potential to be omnipresent, he can choose to limit himself, as demonstrated by Jesus during his earthly life. The absence of God in hell means that all good gifts, comfort, and joy provided by God are also absent, leading to a state of torment. The description of hell focuses more on the emotional and spiritual suffering that arises from the withdrawal of God's presence rather than physical torture.
Baptism's Role in Salvation
Baptism is addressed as a significant, but not essential, act for salvation, highlighting that it does not intrinsically save anyone. The connection between baptism and repentance is emphasized, with Biblical references illustrating that while one must repent to be saved, baptism is closely linked to that decision. However, examples like the thief on the cross demonstrate that salvation is possible without baptism, pointing out that a personal relationship with Jesus holds greater importance. The idea that baptism is an act of obedience rather than a means of salvation underscores the concept of lordship in a believer's relationship with Christ.
Gray Areas in Christian Living
Questions around gambling, smoking, and profanity illustrate the nuanced balance believers must find in their daily choices. The discussion emphasizes that while certain activities, like gambling or smoking, aren't explicitly labeled as sins, their practice should be approached with caution and self-awareness. A guideline is provided from Corinthians that encourages believers to consider whether their actions are beneficial or lead to mastery by those activities. The overarching principle is that Christians should prioritize wholesome interactions and choices that uphold their faith and moral standards.
In this brand-new segment of the Dad Tired podcast, Jerrad Lopes introduces "Q&A with Chris," featuring Chris Hilken. This weekly episode is inspired by the overwhelming response to a spontaneous Q&A session at the recent Dad Tired retreat. With nearly 300 men attending, Jerrad and Chris didn’t have time to answer all the questions on-site, so they’re diving in on the podcast to tackle them here—nothing is off limits! In this episode, Jerrad does his best to make Chris squirm with some thought-provoking and challenging questions.
Key Topics Discussed:
Hell and God's Presence (01:31)
Chris explains how hell can be the absence of God if God is omnipresent, using the concept of kenosis (from Philippians 2) to describe God's ability to limit Himself.
Baptism and Salvation (07:59)
Chris shares why baptism is crucial in the Christian faith but clarifies that it is not what saves a person. He emphasizes obedience to Christ's lordship and references the thief on the cross.
Gambling and Sports Betting (10:28)
Is gambling a sin? Chris answers with the principle from 1 Corinthians: "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial." He shares the dangers and when it may be permissible within a controlled, healthy context.
Exploring and Colonizing Space (13:33)
What does God think about space exploration and colonizing Mars? Chris unpacks the story of the Tower of Babel and why it shouldn't be used to argue against exploring space.
Smoking Cigars or Cigarettes (15:40)
Chris discusses if smoking is a sin, applying the same biblical principles used for other substances, like alcohol, and stressing moderation and self-control.
Profanity and Taming the Tongue (17:36)
Chris addresses the use of profanity among Christians, citing James and Ephesians to highlight the importance of wholesome speech and the impact our words have as believers.
Listener Questions: Have a burning question for Chris? Submit it anonymously at dadtired.com/question, and tune in every Friday for a new episode of "Q&A with Chris."
Notable Quotes:
“Imagine a kingdom where a king issues a decree, and you take it under advisement personally—that’s not lordship. When God calls, we obey.” - Chris Hilken
"Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. It’s about asking, is this helping me be more like Jesus?" - Chris Hilken
Call to Action: Submit your questions anonymously at dadtired.com/question to be answered in future episodes. Don’t miss out—new Q&A episodes drop every Friday!
Support the Podcast: If you found value in today’s episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with other dads who might benefit from the wisdom and insights shared here.
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