#STRask

Questions about how a fisherman could have written the book of Peter, why people say that not mentioning the destruction of the temple indicates an early date for the Synoptic Gospels when John doesn’t mention it either, and why one should think the Bible is special.   How did Peter, being an uneducated fisherman, write the book of Peter, which seems levels above what someone with no education could do? People reason that the Synoptic Gospels should be dated earlier than the destruction of the temple since it isn’t mentioned, but John doesn’t mention it either, and that book is dated AD 80–90. Why should I pay any heed to the Bible when it’s just one of many ancient “holy” books? How can I trust it is special?

The discussion delves into why the disciples misled Paul about Jerusalem, probing the complexities of divine communication. Listeners are challenged to consider instances where God’s voice was mistaken for other sounds, like thunder. Biblical examples highlight how clarity is often an exception, urging attentiveness. The conversation explores the need for interpretation in scripture and the balance between prayer and understanding. Ultimately, it reflects on human decision-making amidst divine guidance, emphasizing wisdom in navigating faith.

The discussion challenges the belief that hearing God’s voice is straightforward and requires no learning. Listeners delve into the significance of spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, and why they demand clarity and discernment. The podcast examines revelatory versus non-revelatory gifts and their roles within the church. It also explores the complexities of divine communication, questioning why some may not perceive God's voice despite its supposed accessibility, using the story of Job as a lens for deeper theological insight.

Delve into the profound relationship between suffering and faith, especially among youth facing adversity. Explore how to authentically connect with God during struggles and the importance of honest prayer. Discover the inspiring story of Job, illustrating how steadfast faith can reveal God's goodness in turmoil. The conversation challenges misconceptions about suffering and underscores the spiritual growth that can arise from trials. Additionally, it highlights the significance of questioning God in our pain while maintaining faith in His goodness.

Questions about how to pray for persecuted Christians in light of the fact that God wills that some will be martyrs, and how persecuted Christians who are being threatened and beaten know if they should stay and preach the gospel or leave and protect their family.   I have a hard time praying “Old Testament promises” for protection and deliverance for persecuted Christians since I know that, in some cases, God wills that there will be martyrs for Jesus. Any suggestions on how to pray? Why don’t Christians who are being persecuted, threatened, beaten, etc. relocate if they are able, especially if they have a family? How do they know if they should stay and preach the gospel or leave and protect their family?

The discussion delves into the challenging decision of when to walk away from difficult conversations, particularly with hard-hearted individuals. Strategies for navigating opposing views with grace are explored, highlighting the importance of discernment in dialogue. Listeners learn to identify signs that a conversation has turned unproductive and how to cope with accusations of pride and legalism while remaining true to their faith. The themes of grace under fire and maintaining empathy resonate throughout, offering a reflective approach to sharing beliefs.

The discussion opens with a provocative statement about Jesus and his family, prompting a deep dive into theological contradictions. Navigating sensitive conversations, the hosts emphasize respect and patience, especially when faith and personal beliefs collide. The challenges arise when addressing gender identity, notably how a mother grapples with her child's use of non-traditional pronouns. The dialogue also highlights the tension between individual authenticity and societal norms, as well as the delicate balance leaders must maintain in Bible study groups.

The discussion kicks off with the moral obligations of Christian business owners regarding livable wages. Delving into economic principles, the speakers critique the oversimplified notion that wage increases can happen through mere declarations. They explore the nuances between 'just wages' and 'livable wages.' The conversation also navigates the balance between generosity and self-promotion, especially in corporate sponsorships. Finally, they highlight the importance of community investment and prioritizing spiritual values over material wealth.

Listeners grapple with whether to leave a church that avoids divisive topics like LGBTQ issues and politics. The importance of addressing challenging moral questions is emphasized for spiritual growth. A discussion on the ethics of writing under a pen name in a restrictive environment highlights the balance of safety and integrity. The tension between divine authority and resisting unjust governance is explored through biblical lenses. Lastly, historical responses to authority during crises shed light on moral resistance in faith practices.

This discussion tackles the controversial interpretation of Jesus referring to a dead girl as 'asleep' in Mark 5:39, exploring the implications of this metaphor. The concept of Jesus never sinning versus the notion of lying sparks intriguing debates. Additionally, the meaning behind being 'born of water and the Spirit' is examined, separating natural birth from spiritual transformation. The conversation also delves into the importance of trusting biblical teachings and the transformative nature of faith in the context of the New Covenant.