Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:23 {Delivering Someone Over to Satan?} What does the Bible mean when it says to "deliver such a one over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh"? 2. 17:30 {Prophecy = Preaching the Word?} I hear many Bible teachers say that the New Testament gift of prophecy is merely proclaiming/preaching the Word; it is never predictive or revelatory. That doesn’t seem right to me. Could you give us your take? 3. 25:37 {Are Insulting Names Sometimes Appropriate?} Does Jesus calling the Pharisees fools, vipers, and whitewashed tombs give Christians a license to call our enemies insulting names? 4. 31:36 {Can a Vow to God be Cancelled?} At age 19, I made a lifetime vow to God (not marital) that 31 years later seems counterproductive in light of new insight & circumstances. Is there a biblical case to cancel a vow despite Ecclesiastes 5:4-6? 5. 38:06 {Dangerous Recreational Activities} What does the Bible say about participating in dangerous activities, particularly those that are recreational, such as riding motorcycles, mountain climbing, big wave surfing, etc.? 6. 46:30 {Chuck Missler & the Hologram Theory} Have you heard of Pastor Chuck Missler and his endorsement of the Hologram Theory (the idea that there is no gravity beyond our solar system, a holographic representation of God’s Creation)? 7. 50:20 {Temptations from the Flesh vs. the Enemy} Is it possible to discern between temptations that come from Satan and those that come from within due to the sinful desires of flesh? 8. 55:42 {Meaning of “To Live Is Christ”} What does it mean when Paul says "For me to live is Christ”? I've never heard someone use a phrase where an action or state of being IS a person. 9. 1:04:28 {The Sonship of Jesus} A local church believes Jesus was literally the Son of God before the incarnation who "proceeded out of the Father" just like Eve from Adam. Can you help me understand the Sonship of Jesus? 10. 1:07:51 {Idolatry Today} What does idol worship look like in a more modern sense? Bonus: 1:14:44 {Prayer Request} Will you pray for my mom, Kelly? She was diagnosed with breast cancer and has started chemo, but they found a mass on her liver. Not sure if it's cancer but it has grown in the last month. Through this she has been saved! We pray God's will is for her to be healed, but most importantly, for her testimony to live!
10) Idolatry is very common through celebrities-fandom. If a restaurant does offerings to an idol, I'm not attending, no Christian should. Unknowingly, Catholics are practicing idolatry by praying through Mary and the Saints, some have shrines. Catholicism is a false gospel period. Galatians 1:8 Exodus 20:4
Just wanted to say, Idk how long have you been doing this for, but just wanted to say, I appreciate these time stamps, Thank you! Keep pursuing Jesus Christ and never waver, and if things get rough for you always go to him (Matthew 11:28), personally Mike’s videos have been helpful for me to defend the faith (1 Peter 3:15), and these will help me when I need you go to something specific, May God, the father, and Jesus Christ Bless you Sister in Christ.
@@JamesOr-se8fx thank you so much for this specific encouragement! I needed to be reminded of that verse in Matthew. God bless you! I’m so glad the BibleThinker content has been helpful to you. Have a great weekend! ❤️
another great livestream! As a Pastor in Ireland, I think it's worth pointing out that when it comes to name-calling, the love Jesus had for those people was never less than complete and perfect. Before we choose boldness over niceness, we must first check our hearts to make sure that our boldness is still spoken in love for the person rather than to shame them.
That’s a great point! I think it’s true both ways. We should check our hearts before we speak boldly, yes, but also before we speak kindly. If we are speaking kindly or softly out of love, then that’s wonderful. If we’re speaking kindly strictly to avoid upsetting others or causing conflict, then we are actually acting in our own interests instead of theirs by putting our own desires (avoiding conflict) above their best interests (hearing what they need to hear), which is one of the most unloving things we can do. Essentially, we should be vigilant in watching our motives and our hearts in everything we do!
It actually depends why it is done and how it is done. Church discipline can be legalism, if you are being punished for doing something that the bible allows freedom on.
Shocked to hear that Brandon video is getting that much push back. I thought it was great and I appreciate your willingness to stand for the truth and seek the truth. A lot of people have been hurt by him and a lot more in the future might, not only financially/physically, but spiritually as well. New/inquiring Christian’s can be burned by someone being so reckless.
I have to admit I am not. There is such a level of idolization towards prophecy and false these days. To me, it does show that those who lash out so bad do not have their eyes on God but on man. I watched Biggs video from right after the attempt. That alone disturbed me a lot on so many levels. I was glad Mike took that issue on.
About vows: I made a vow to the Lord once many years ago, and God eventually showed me that I needed to repent of that vow. I was placing hope for my righteousness in my ability to keep my vow instead of in the blood of Jesus. The Lord showed me that I was attempting to take the place of God in my life and I had to repent. A huge weight was lifted off of me!
We left the amish 6 yrs ago and my biggest eye opener and made me seek scripture for what it says., a close friend of mine who is a amish married man was fooling around sexually with his married neighbor wife and on a Sunday morning he came to church completly broken and sorry he was so broken he couldn’t hardly walk and that afternoon after service he made a confession of his sin in front of the church and I had to agree to shun and excommunicate him (turn him over to Satan) and he was so sorry and I could no longer go along with it. It would have been completely different had he not have a repentive heart. This video is so good I would love to sit down sometime over coffee, we have been following your teachings of the Bible for a few years and really appreciate them keep doing what your doing God Bless you!
Here in the Philippines ptr mike this nation is idolatrous nation but I believe in my heart that the living God will dilever this nation from idolatrous worship in Jesus Christ holy, mighty, great and powerful name I pray Amen.
Thank you Mike for your ministry! Thinking of the name calling question. I would like to add that Jesus used it out of a justified anger and a position of authority. Not to be a bully or to throw His weight around. Also "fools" and "white washed tombs" are very descriptive and clarifying, specifically to His lesson. Thank you. Appreciative of your work!
There a signs to be aware of that I agree with Mike, especially the money stuff. BUT, he is way too critical to even see truth when it is clear to see what happened. I know people who have had the same visions of the end times, and they don't know Brandon. Time will soon tell. I think most of what Brandon speaks of will happen in the next 20 - 30 years.
@@swiftfuegon Brandon hasn't predicted literally anything, the bullet did not fly past his ear and burst his eardrum, nor did he become radically saved, in fact I who am pro trump, heard him say to hell with them, in reference to his fans, this man was not radically saved. This is false prophecy. Now, go back in time now to Brandon's other totally failed prophecies where people lost their homes, lost their savings listening to this false prophet. They came as angels of light, they come in the name of God, Jesus says if even the elect could be decieved, what more can someone that does not even see know truth be decieved?
@@swiftfuegonyou gotta open your eyes and have a little discernment. Does the way Brandon carries himself really instill confidence that he is hearing from God? No accountability whatsoever, boasting at what is right, ignoring what is clearly and provably wrong. That man is not hearing from God. He is seeking attention. Even with Trump, he was close, but not correct. Is a “close enough” prophecy good enough for you?
@@BradyR95I think that Brandon is Human and makes some mistakes, he even says He is not a smart person so he hopes he is deciphering his visions correctly. I think Mike is way too harsh on Brandon. I think Brandon has a more pure intent than Mike. I don't like Mike personally he attacks his Christian brothers. That is HORRIBLE. And he thinks way too highly of himself. What if he is going against one of God's true prophets? I believe God will give visions and dreams and we should for sure listen.
@@scindiana respectfully, if you see all this evidence and think that the majority of what Brandon is saying has any merit, you need to work on your discernment. Good motives is not good enough when you are claiming God is speaking to you daily and recklessly making predictions and claiming them as prophesy, while NEVER taking accountability for the harm you are causing when you are constantly wrong about all of them. Gods true prophets aren’t only correct 3 percent of the time.
I think your response for question 3 is spot on. being bold when it is helpful, using discernment and speaking truth in love to help the person see the truth not to just express your frustration. May God give us wisdom when we need it.
Q3: One rule for insults could be: Your insult should be required, relevant, true, and accurate, with some hope of communicating an important idea. No swearing, either. If you can't do that, don't target the person, target what they're saying instead. Same rule applies to what you say there, too, though: required, relevant, true, and accurate, with some hope of communicating an important idea. No swearing.
#2 thank you to the person who asked the Q and thanks Mike for the response. My church also preaches that prophesying is simply speaking forth God’s word and I too find that definition too simple. As Mike said, that would make any Bible teacher who reads God’s word aloud to others also a Prophet, and 2 Corinthians 12:27-30 distinguishes that there is a difference between the two gifts. #3 yes Mike I like your description of the balance between boldness and winsome. I interact with people online a lot these days, so much so that I now tell my friends that I’m an “online evangelist” 😄 and that is the balance I attempt to strike. Not to say I’m always perfect at it, but I have seen people soften and interact openly when the balance is there. Praise God.
Thank you, Mike, for your heartfelt teaching, passion for Jesus and His church. You encourage my heart every day. Have a wonderful anniversary celebration with your sweetheart!
Regarding question three, as our input was asked: considering my answer, before Mr. Mike’s answer, was “yesn’t,” I think I agree with his stance. 😆 First, name-calling really should be done with careful consideration, and never out of impulse. Second, it’s important to be truthful, so we should make sure what we say is accurate to the facts and not just our impressions or hearsay. Third, it’s wise to speak beneficial words, and not just words for the sake of filling the air (think the “inconvenient talk” of Ephesians 5:4.) Fourth, we need to consider our place, both societally as people and relationally as individuals before God; for example, I feel that, though sometimes I do use insults in certain contexts, it’s more befitting of me as a young woman whose witness is one of joy and helpfulness (according to the people outside of me; I do pray the Lord continues that with purity and wisdom in me) to speak gently on the whole and avoid hard language. Each believer has their own role in the body, even in their dialogue, and should seek God accordingly. That’s my two (or more) cents, anyway! 🤭
On the second question! You are teaching! The fact that people are like, “No, you have to be prophesying, speaking in tongues, etc.” Acting like teaching is not a gift even though the Bible flat out lists it as a gift. I know you say that you are not an actual pastor of a church at the moment, so you are not pastoring teaching. But you are teaching. A lot of people want to be able to teach like this and can’t. Do you know how long I didn’t like you, Mike, because you bothered to point out something that I was not thinking biblically on? But because you brought it up, and you are not CooCoo for Cocoa Puffs, I had to acknowledge that you were right about that thing.
I’m grateful for all you do Pastor Mike!! You said you had a lot of push back on Brandon Biggs being a false prophet, I watched that video and it really helped me realize some things about him. I watched Brandon before I had watched your video and it really put a dooms day fear in me and such. Then I watched your video and I totally see and agree with you. I didn’t catch or think about something’s until you put things out there like you did and I can see it now and it’s given me peace, so thank you my brother in Christ for caring about us not following a false prophet…. Love You and love all that you do for us!!
Thank you for telling the truth concerning “the prophet”. I am surrounded by people who believed it. I have shared your video and now they are sharing it. God bless you and your family.😊
I love your teaching and your Godly bravery in confronting evil- and I think it's awesome when you show kitty "commercials"! 😄😻🙏 I've always said it takes a REAL man to show love for cats❤ God bless and protect you 🙏
I think your answer was absolutely fantastic about swinging from one side to the other but we have to be truthful. Sometimes we need to be bold and others. We don’t that’s why we need the lead of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you so much for doing these q&a videos Mike (and the team who timestamp and run the chat and do all the things). I never fail to be blessed even by answers to questions i have never thought about before. Have a great weekend :)
Regarding question 8 - Perfect timing - i JUST saw a young man by the name of Jake Lang, who has been held in a 'barbaric' prison (Judge's words) in Brooklyn for over 3 1/2 years without a trial. My surface understanding is that he jumped in to save a woman from being brutalized during the Jan6 event. He is proclaiming the Gospel among the prisoners and guards. They put him in a cell at one point with an MS-13 gang member. They are doing a Bible study together now! You have to see this man - see his face. He is so full of joy in spite of his circumstances. What an inspiration. Discussing Paul's imprisonment and his statement "To live is Christ, to die is gain" in this Question Session brought my mind directly to him. Jake Lang is living that Scripture!! I'm praising God for him and his example!!! Praying for continued strength for Jake. He'll have a great deal to talk about with Paul when he eventually sees him...
For question 3, I think your answer is wise. There is a time and place to say true things that may be insulting. With that said, there’s a difference in calling someone a fool, and calling someone an expletive or telling them they’re garbage or something. I would recommend keeping the “insult” focused on the individual’s actions.
MUSCLES UP, MIKE WINGER! Thank you for exposing that prophecy guy... everyone needs to see it. It was gross (and downright hilarious watching the double-speak). Keep on going!
I think you are spot on with speaking truth, IN WISDOM!! Therefore, calling out false teachers/prophets is critical! Praying you don’t get discouraged by the trolls & immature! Thank you for your ministry & heart for others! 🙌
Mike I quit riding motorcycles when I was 24 & pregnant. I had quit body surfing when I was pregnant with my first. That was wisdom. I started riding again after my children were grown & I did ask the Lord if this was dumb. He said no. "How wild do you think I Am?" And I looked around at the waves, the rocks to climb, the winds, the thunder storms & acknowledged Him as Master over it all. He let me know that extreme sports can show His glory in what He allows & helps man to do. Regular dangerous sports too. But you are 100% right that it's all in our attitude. We can glorify Him in all things. PS I've seen more injuries from people exercising than doing "the dangerous things" 😂
I do beleive that i canbe healed i was raised in a christianhome. I had a very small family and they are all gone even my childtren so i am alone.i enjoy your program thank you
@LauraSaucy: I agree, that God has the power to heal anyone. The mistake Christians make is believing He will heal those with faith who pray for healing. Then when healing doesn't happen, the explanation is that the person did not have sufficient faith to be healed. God's actions are based on His purpose, His will for us, NOT on our desires. I can not imagine living without my children. My prayers for your comfort.
@@SheilaSmith-z8g Genuine faith includes agreement with God, yes? How did you come to the conclusion that a person can have real faith for something and God may still decide not to do it? I am seriously curious because I consistently see Jesus teaching the opposite of that. Matthew 17:20 Is it a mistake to believe these words of Jesus? How does your view explain that?
@@StormyKnight24 Genuine faith means I trust God. Trust in God's sovereignty (power over all), wisdom, justice and love. But I can not know exactly what these look like or when and how these attributes will manifest. Healing happens. Miracles happen. We pray for a miracle. Sometimes it is granted, sometimes not. God decides what is spiritually best for us, we don't. I trust that. This is what is meant by surrender to the will of God. I simply can not know what God's will is for me in my illness, or my suffering, except to trust Him. And I do.
@@StormyKnight24 Sorry, I forgot to respond to your question. Read the title, "Why the disciples could not cure him." Matt 17: 18-19 answers a specific question put to Jesus by a specific group (apostles). The question was why can WE not cast it out? The apostles had been directed by Jesus to go out and perform miracles, and returned to report they were unable. This passage is about them, not us.
@@StormyKnight24 To be clear, the complaint to Jesus was about their failure to cast out demons. Most bibles do not have v 20: But this kind (demons) can be cast out only by ( their) prayer and fasting. Your error is applying this passage to all Christians. Jesus is telling those that are asking,why THEY are failing.
I have had this practiced to the extreme with some family members. They ended up being bullied and harassed, including their kids… harassment coming from multiple denominations. What is sad is that is created some very deep damage and most of them have gone out in effort to destroy the church on the national level. When I hear the details of what happened, it does break my heart. I do pray for them and try to plant seeds with them as the door opens. It is really hard to find those moments though.
I’m sorry that you had that experience with Calvary Chapel, Mike! I attend Calvary Chapel in Maine and, at least in our state, the Calvaries are not like that at all. I have no doubt the church you’ve found to attend now is saturated in the word and love for God as well. God bless you & your ministry, my brother!
So this is why I left my ex church after 12 years because the pastors son has been coming with his gay “husband” to the church for several months ..no fruit of repentance. It is so sad to me that I even have had to search for a church that doesn’t think that’s ok. The pastor and his wife welcome them as do some others, and they hope they will come to Jesus…the young man also makes decisions in the church as well…I pray my friends who are glad that these people are hearing the truth realize if they heard it they would leave or repent… thankful for this teaching which is in my heart.
Not even kidding, I read this chapter the other day and so the verse about delivering a man to Satan and was so confused. I was planning on bringing this question to you but it looks like you’ve already brought the answer to me 😂
Paul believed he had the authority to discipline as a father does. Do not withhold discipline from a child; Though you strike him with the rod, he will not die. -excerpt Proverbs 23 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers... But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant, but their power. For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power. What do you desire? That I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness? -excerpt 1 Corinthians 4 Paul believed his authority to discipline extended even to the ability to execute a man. Paul believed he could make this judgement on a Christian man from afar, as God could. ...for I indeed, as being absent as to the body, and present as to the spirit, have already judged, as being present, him who so wrought this thing:in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ -- ye being gathered together, also my spirit -- with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,to deliver up such a one to the Adversary for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. -excerpt 1 Corinthians 5 YLT For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, I have decided to turn such a person over to Satan for the destruction of his body, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. -NASB version One would think that Paul would have nothing further to do with executions after supporting the execution of a Christian man, as he did in Acts 7 below. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then he fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. Now Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. -excerpt of final sentences of Acts 7 and first sentence of Acts 8 Even though one might argue that Paul wasn't a Christian at the time of Stephen's execution, he certainly was when he ordered the execution of a Christian man in 1 Corinthians 5. Since Paul writes: ...so that his spirit may be saved... Paul believed he was ordering the execution of a brother in Christ. Disturbing. And also in opposition to the words of Jesus: Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. -excerpt Luke 6 -words of Jesus So we see Paul approving/ordering the execution of 2 Christian men. Stephen, before Paul was saved, and another man whose name is not recorded, after Paul was saved. Why Paul wouldn't just order the church at Corinth to not associate with this man is a bit of a mystery. And how would this man have been executed. Probably by stoning, as was done with Stephen? An example of real power is part of the story from Acts 5 below. Here we see God performing the execution with an apostle present. The apostle prophecies death, and death comes. In contrast to Paul ordering an execution from afar to be performed by men. Now an interval of about three hours elapsed, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for this price?” And she said, “Yes, for that price.” Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” And immediately she collapsed at his feet and died; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard about these things. PAUL HIS FALSE, CONTRADICTORY, AND CONFUSING TEACHINGS -S. Szpak excerpt from Part 10 PAUL REFERS TO HIMSELF AS A SPIRITUAL FATHER THE MOST SERIOUS FALSE TEACHING OF PAUL
I really appreciate this channel. It has inspired me to be more intentional with my channel. I started to think there really wasn’t much for me to do since I am a woman but there’s so much women can do
Great insight on the vow making. I have made that error before: someone asked me to do a teaching at a women’s event at church and immediately I knew I was suppose to say no and I did. BUT I was asked again, and I conceded and agreed to do it. However, no words would come to me as I tried to type out the teaching. I knew I had gone against what God had told me. I had to let them know I had made a mistake saying yes and had to back out of the agreement.
Wisdom comes from GOD Alone anything else is utter foolishness! Ilove your videos and of course your beautiful cats! Love and GOD'S Blessings to you Pastor Mike for your loving-kindness in your Work for and on behalf of the LORD, From your sister in Christ, Julie 🙏
Hey Mike, regarding question 3, I try to error on the side of caution and typically take a more winsome approach. However, I feel if I go to that extreme too often, I often become resentful and then maybe go too far the other direction where I lose that lovingness in my response. So, short story long, I thought your answer, especially being off the cuff, to be very wise and pragmatic. I think staying away from the extremes in almost any situation is probably good advice, as long as you don’t become complacent. Love your content, you have been a massive blessing in my life.
Excellent... and as always you have spoken the truth in love ... thank you so much .... and may the Lord richly bless you and Mrs Winger (name?) as you celebrate your anniversary. Greetings from the UK.
So with respect to question 6. It's always important to remember that Chuck Missler almost always stated that people shouldn't take his word for it. His Ministry exists to increase biblical literacy. Also, Chuck never proposed that God was being misleading, that stars that appeared to exist didn't exist. When he talked about the Holographic universe, it was because of it's finite nature, and that you cannot have anything infinitely small, so there is granularity. So as to highlight that we are in a shadow of something much greater.
#3 Mike, I liked your answer; it was as balanced as one can be without affirming immoral behavior. My brother informed me almost a year ago that he does not believe he is a boy. As of yet, I have not confronted him on it, nor have I given in and called him a new name. 🙏 My counselor advised me that since 1) he doesn't claim to be a Christian and 2) he would receive approval anywhere he goes...that there is no reason for me to confront him - which would also destroy my last remaining relationship with a biological sibling.
Thanks Mike for this video! What's your next video series? I thought you said Hebrews a little while back? Can we still expect that in the near future?
Hey Mike! Thank you so much for your ministry. You've really helped me think Biblically. I got a question. In regards to Romans 14; where would someone draw the line between imposing their convictions on others, and guiding/discipling them (especially to a new believer)?
@mike Winger - thanks for your content, I appreciate the time and content you share with us. Q. Is there a reason Matthew 17:21 is missing from newer Bibles? Thanks
As a charismatic, I honestly cannot understand why charismatics would not understand and support your point of view on prophesy/gifts. Maybe I am not really charismatic anymore or maybe I have grown through the years and matured in Christ. You don't need my affirmation, Mike, but I appreciate and share your views. I feel sick of what the group of people I grew up around are blinded to, like this "prophet" and BH. It took time and good teaching for me to mature, though, so I have hope.
I agree. I think the questioner completely misunderstands Chuck's explanation when describing something by use of the illustration of how a hologram functions. I don't think he even related it to creation. It was more to do with the nature of how the Bible is constructed.
I have not heard Chuck Missler say that space is a hologram, but he did compare the Bible to a hologram. He has pointed out that the doctrines teachings and prophecys are scattered throughout the Bible, rather than in discrete chapters on single topics. If a page is missing there are other places with the same teaching, and where ever you study from, the teachings are ultimately consistsnt, just like information from a hologram - if it is cut in half you can still see the whole picture, albeit with less definition. Hope this helps.
#10 Mike, I’m so grateful that you mentioned women coveting other woman’s figures, bc I think this is a great issue within the church that doesn’t get addressed enough, simply bc it’s commonly accepted within our culture to be unsatisfied with your figure. And bc we associate our figure with our overall health. I have many Christian friends (and I was one of these women for a long time) who will talk about their bodies and other women’s bodies all the time in relation to the way we look, and they seem blinded to the fact that they’re spewing speech of covetousness and vanity. It’s mind boggling to me that it’s so commonplace in the church and I never see it get called out. I am trying to figure out to properly approach this topic with certain individuals in a bold and loving way. Anyways, all that to say, it was very encouraging to hear to speak on it. Thank you.
well, there is a difference between being concerned about what you look like, and even how your figure reflects your overall health, and being covetous or envious about someone else's appearance. Someone who is visibly obese is plainly not healthy in a way that can be dealt with. Also, I believe recognizing that someone is more healthy and wanting to be more like that person is not coveting them or being envious. Though if you disagree, then please let me know why.
@@BornAgain223 hi, thanks for your comment. Mine is not meant to be a blanket statement for every individual, but generally speaking, I do believe there’s a lot of envy that happens for women within body image issues. I am not saying that every woman I know covets the size and shape of other women, but I am saying that it’s common enough and I never hear it spoken on in the church as a significant problem. The dissatisfaction that we’ve been taught to feel about our appearance thru marketing and media cannot be understated. We are always told that we need to try harder and do more, as it relates to our looks, and that constant striving has become a habitual mindset for so many women. I think many Christians would agree that beauty is an idol in our society and yet women’s conversations tend to gravitate toward the topic of outward appearance too often. From the heart the mouth speaks… And so all that to say, within the conversation we can’t discount the role that body dissatisfaction plays within the idolization of beauty. And you’re correct, that a part of the problem is that we associate the look of our body with our overall health (it would be great if we could get to a point that we can learn to separate the two and recognize that the most slender person in the room doesn’t automatically make them the healthiest person in the room), but the conversations I speak of are not ones that are health focused, but rather beauty focused. If you’d like more clarification, I’d be happy to discuss more.
RE: Chuck Missler. My husband loves Chuck Missler. The only mention of a hologram that I've ever heard him mention is comparing the construction of a hologram with the interconnectedness of biblical doctrines -- it communicates the same ideas from more than one place. Nothing about the cosmos, that I understood.
On number 3, what comes to mind is this: When deciding to speak or not, ask yourself, is this true, helpful, or kind, and let nothing pass your lips without a majority vote.
I believe many today don't get the meaning of that verse. It has to do with cutting off the person from the commonwealth of believers. Tough love.. no sloppy agape, but letting the person know they are 'out', at their own devices and they get to suffer the consequences of their sinful lifestyle. That can open up the way to genuine repentance and restoration.
On the prophecy question (2?)- as a young teen my parent dragged us to a church that ‘practiced’ full-gospel gifts, so I was taught that. I recognized that a bit of this was valid and a lot of it was good intentions and hype. As an adult I attended a church for a while where the same guy would yell out ‘in tongues’ (often with the same intonations and vocalization as previous times) and an older woman would ‘interpret’. “Thus saith the Lord!” I had a difficult time taking these ‘prophecies’ or ‘Word’s’ to heart. I asked God to show me if there was something I should know or understand through this, and I tried to be patient in my attitude towards them. It would be easy to disregard them altogether but I tried not to. I resolved in my own view that each of these people were sincere and believed; also that they were probably speaking more from their intense emotional mind. This didn’t make them wrong or sinful. I saw it as a reflection of the ‘style’ of this local church gathering they were in and what the general experience was of the members, as well as the historical roots of the ‘church’ itself.
Oh Andy Stanley says they have More faith?! His dad’s probably rolling in his grave. 😢I’m glad you went over this, I always wondered about this passage (#1). I wish churches would be more like this. Wish they’d always been like this.
Question regarding prophecy. How does your answer fit in with acts 15:32, 1 Cor 14:31 where prophecy is said to be for learning, comfort, exhortation and confirming. Seems to me that it can be something that would be quite common. Thoughts?
On the fifth question. Going to work, no matter your method of transportation or risk level is dangerous. You can do things to make yourself safer in doing activities. You can wear a helmet, you can pack emergency supplies, you can have a plan for an exit strategy to get to safety. You can drive safely or you can drive drunk. Doesn’t matter the vehicle, both are dangerous. One has a slightly higher chance to get home safely than the other.
