#STRask

Questions about asking God for the repentance of someone who has passed away, how to respond to a request to pray for a deceased person, reconciling Hebrews 9:27 with people who have died twice, and whether we’ll be judged according to the revelation we received.   What are your thoughts on asking God for the repentance of someone who has passed away? When asked to pray for a friend’s deceased mother’s soul, what is a compassionate response that may lead to an opportunity to share the gospel? How do we reconcile Hebrews 9:27, which says it’s appointed for each of us to die once, with people being raised from the dead by Jesus, Peter, and Paul and then dying a second time? Are people judged differently by God according to the revelation they received?

The discussion delves into the philosophical debate of whether evil is merely a lack of good. It raises questions about the nature of sin and its introduction through the fall of man compared to angelic rebellion. A challenging biblical narrative about God's judgment on Israel leads to shocking consequences, including cannibalism during famine. The conversation emphasizes the balance between collective sin and individual responsibility while exploring deep theological implications in a thought-provoking manner.

Questions about how secular books assist our Christian walk and how Greg studies the Bible.   How do secular books like Atomic Habits assist our Christian walk? How do you personally study the Bible?

Explore the fascinating debate over the Catholic and Protestant Bibles and whether the original New Testament texts still exist. Delve into the historical context of biblical canonization and the significance of the Apocrypha's inclusion. Uncover the challenges of preserving biblical truth amid skepticism and the role of textual criticism in analyzing ancient manuscripts. Learn how discrepancies in texts often don't affect core doctrines, revealing the complexities of biblical authenticity.

Questions arise about the rarity of spiritual gifts and how that affects personal faith. Listeners explore whether believers can suppress the Holy Spirit and the biblical basis for this. The discussion highlights God’s presence through scripture and prayer, rather than relying on miraculous signs. There's a deep dive into 2 Peter 1:21, pondering the nature of prophetic experiences. The podcast also draws parallels between faith and romantic relationships, emphasizing growth through life's challenges.

The speakers dive into whether spiritual gifts like healing and prophecy can be imparted to others, referencing biblical stories. They explore modern interpretations and the inconsistencies within early Christian practices, raising questions about church leaders' authority. The role of apostles and their foundational significance in the church is examined, along with the implications of contemporary movements. Lastly, they discuss how apostolic authority shaped the New Testament canon and its relevance today.

Explore how to discern wise answers from AI, especially in spiritual matters. The discussion dives into the ethical dilemmas of modern decision-making and underscores the limitations of relying on AI for guidance. It also tackles confirmation bias when assessing claims around theism, stressing the importance of objectivity and critical thinking. Engaging with varied perspectives is highlighted as a key strategy to enhance reasoning. Ultimately, the conversation champions strong beliefs rooted in truth and personal discernment.

The discussion dives into the phrase 'just follow the science' and its nuances in scientific debate. It highlights how science is not a fixed truth but an evolving inquiry. The politics surrounding scientific dissent and authority manipulation are examined, emphasizing the need for open dialogue. The complexities of abiogenesis and Darwinian evolution raise questions about the origins of life. Lastly, the conversation explores life and consciousness, challenging reductionist views and pondering the nature of the soul.

The discussion dives into the tension between cultural relativism and critical engagement with practices like Voodoo. Listeners are encouraged to assess the morality of traditions while acknowledging historical injustices. The importance of objective spiritual truths versus subjective beliefs is emphasized, particularly for youth. The conversation also tackles the impact of media on shaping beliefs, urging a critical evaluation of narratives. Finally, the complexity of integrating African traditional religions into Christian worship is examined, stressing the need for genuine, biblically grounded practices.

The discussion dives into why Jesus' coming was essential if faith alone could justify before Him. It highlights the distinctions between the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing that true redemption is found in Christ, not rituals. The podcast also examines how God's law reveals human sinfulness, setting the stage for grace. A unified biblical narrative of faith and grace is explored, drawing from key scriptures that bridge the Testaments. Personal belief is important, but the podcast stresses that salvation ultimately hinges on God's action through Jesus.