#STRask

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.

The discussion delves into the complex nature of evil and its place within divine purpose, raising whether God's allowance of evil implies a division in His nature. The speakers explore theodicy, suggesting that evil can serve higher purposes, as seen in the crucifixion. They examine Eve's primary sin of disobedience, questioning the interpretations of her actions in relation to God's laws. The metaphor of military strategy illustrates how human malice can become part of a divine narrative, highlighting the interactions between good and evil.

The discussion dives into the emotional and biblical challenges faced by a single Christian woman contemplating IVF. It explores the traditional views on family and parenthood, emphasizing the importance of marriage in raising children. The speakers highlight the ethical dilemmas surrounding IVF and adoption, questioning the impact of single parenthood on a child's upbringing. Additionally, they urge listeners to trust in God's plan for parenthood, advocating for patience and divine guidance in such personal journeys.

Explore how to address manipulative behavior in Christian patients without damaging reputations. Discover strategies for fostering understanding in healthcare by emphasizing true Christian values. Learn to navigate tricky conversations with friends about end-times prophecies, advocating for a grounded theological approach. Reflect on inspiring lessons from Corrie Ten Boom about faith in suffering, emphasizing God’s presence during trials and the importance of kindness and respect in the healing environment.

Questions about how to handle objections from Christians who think we should all be harvesters and should not focus on gardening, and whether attending a service at a mosque would communicate approval of the religion (similar to attending a same-sex wedding).   How do you handle objections from Christians who think we should all be harvesters and should not focus on gardening? Should Christians attend a service at a mosque in order to reach the nations, or would this communicate approval of the religion (similar to attending a same-sex wedding)?