#STRask

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.

The podcast tackles a young listener's struggle with pornography and its moral implications. It discusses the neurological effects on youth and the broader sexual ethics outlined in the Sermon on the Mount. The conversation dives into the impact of AI-generated pornography and whether it can be considered sinful. Listeners are encouraged to pursue accountability and strengthen their relationship with God to combat temptation. Ultimately, it emphasizes fostering a desire for goodness over succumbing to immorality in today's complex moral landscape.

Questions about whether God is just a way of solving a mystery by appealing to a greater mystery, whether subjective experience falls under a category of knowing, why people in the Bible got to hear and see God but we don’t, and an analogy between God and Hitler.   How would you respond to Matt Dillahunty, who says that God is just a way of solving a mystery by appealing to a greater mystery? Does my undeniable, subjective experience of God fall under a category of knowing in epistemology? Why did the people in the Bible get to hear and see God while they were alive, but we have to die first? How would you respond to someone who asked, “If a Jew during the Holocaust was spared the gas chamber in favor of spending the rest of his life with Hitler, would he call that Heaven?”

Delve into the challenging questions of communicating with churchgoers who deny the Trinity and the deity of Christ. Explore the theological importance of recognizing Jesus as the Son of God for salvation. Discover a creative visual tool that illustrates His divine nature and its biblical significance. Engage in a debate over the reality of having a relationship with someone from 2,000 years ago, questioning if it’s a delusion. Finally, learn about the lasting experiences of believers that affirm the uniqueness of faith in Christ across the ages.

The discussion revolves around how to initiate conversations with individuals who identify as Christians yet show little evidence of genuine faith. Strategies for addressing misconceptions about salvation are explored, alongside the importance of thoughtful dialogue. Insights into the difference between nominal and authentic Christianity are provided. The speakers share ways to engage meaningfully with those on the fringes of faith, while recommending resources to help foster true spiritual understanding and growth.