Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 1:08 {Did God Command Sin?} In Genesis 22:2, God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering. How can God ask men to do something that is sinful, and how could Abraham obey God’s direction to sin? 2. 19:11 {Proof of Virginity Required?} In Deuteronomy 22: 13-21, why were the women to be stoned to death if they didn’t present proof of virginity? Was it the same for the men? 3. 25:30 {Keep All but 1 Commandment?} Why do Christians try to keep all 10 commandments except the 4th one? I hope this doesn't sound rude. 4. 37:36 {Does God Have Blood?} Does God have blood? If not, isn’t that Nestorian? 5. 39:22 {How to Put Faith in Christ} As an atheist who would like to believe in God, goes to church, and has read the Gospel, what steps do I take to believe? 6. 45:16 {Is it Logical to Believe the Bible?} How can Christians believe in a literal Adam and Eve account or a literal worldwide flood? 7. 51:32 {Did Jesus Doubt?} Is it true to say that Jesus doubted? How would you respond to someone that claims that He did (in Gethsemane), implying it's OK to doubt? 8. 55:12 {Why Doesn’t God Immediately Help/Heal?} Why would I "surrender" myself to someone who could help me (be well, not be in pain, heal me) and is with me at all times, but doesn't help me? 9. 58:43 {Why is Belief Necessary for Forgiveness?} Why does God require belief for forgiveness? Why can’t God simply forgive our sins since Jesus died for all and not attach belief to that? 10. 1:03:23 {Why does God Heal Some Cancer but Not All?} I have a neighbor who can't get past this question: “My dad had cancer and died. You [me] had it and lived. Why does God think that's fair?” 11. 1:08:18 {Rejecting the Message due to Credentials} Any advice for lay people doing public ministry that get attacked by non-believers on the basis of their credentials? I feel I am capable of interpretation and ministry despite never having been to seminary. 12. 1:12:03 {Does the Devil Know Our Thoughts?} Can the Devil interpret what a non-believer may be thinking or what's on their mind? Can he understand what a person is thinking? 13. 1:14:57 {Prophecies Written Afterwards?} How can you prove that parts of the Bible weren't written after the events took place, like prophecies or historical accounts of God's providence? 14. 1:17:35 {Proof of God’s Existence} What proof apart from science is there that there’s a God? 15. 1:22:01 {Couldn’t the Bible be More Clear?} Do you honestly think the Bible couldn't have been more clear about important moral issues where the church has been very wrong (treatment of gays, etc.)? What does that say about authorship? 16. 1:27:39 {How to Know Christianity is the Truth} I am so afraid. There is so many views about God. How can I be sure I am following the correct ways? I claim to be a Christian but there are too many different views. 17. 1:33:01 {The Problem of Evil} Why is there so much suffering if God is good? If He is almighty, why doesn’t He stop all the bad things? 18. 1:38:38 {Faith/Trust Defined} Define faith/trust. If someone intellectually knows that God exists but doesn't know how to trust in Him, how would you counsel them? 19. 1:41:28 {Didn’t the Israelites Have Meat to Eat?} If the Israelites had flocks and herds, why did they complain that they had no meat? They didn't have the Law of Moses yet on what not to eat. 20. 1:42:36 {Would God Pass the Test?} Ricky Gervais says that if all scientific knowledge and religion were erased, science would be eventually re-discovered, but not God. Thoughts?
I dont think you're taking into account all the verses of the Bible in regards to Sabbath observance. It says Remember the 7th day, it says that sons, daughters, servants, and the stranger in your gate, in other words, the foreigner, aka not Jewish. And the Bible also says we'll be keeping Sabbath in heaven. Here are some more verses and a quote from a Catholic Catechism. Matthew 5:17, Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one [b]jot or one [c]tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. “Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her-she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is no scriptural authority” - Stephen Keenan A Doctrinal Catechism p 174 Hebrews 4:9-10 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Luke 23:56 - Disciples Kept Sabbath after Jesus’ death 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. Acts 17:2 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, Acts 16:13 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Ezekiel 22:26 26 Her priests have [a]violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.
Your explanation of God asking for a blood sacrifice is so much gobbledigook! It only proves that the earliest Hebrews knew about and practiced human sacrifice....and there are one or two other examples (the story of Jephtha comes immediately to mind)..the fact that Hebrews sacrificed animals as if it were going out of style suggests that blood magic was an important part of their worship!
@@Kunoichi139 Some responses regarding the verses you provided: Matthew 5:17 - this is from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus continues to speak from there all the way until the end of chapter 7. When He finishes, the chapter ends with this: "28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, 29 because He taught as one who had authority, *and not as their scribes."* The phrase "their scribes" indicates that the crowd is either entirely, or primarily, composed of Jews, since the scribes were the Jewish teachers of the law. It makes sense we would see this reference to the Sabbath in relation to the Jewish crowd gathered. Hebrews 4:9-10 - the context indicates the Sabbath rest mentioned here is actually a reference to salvation, not the weekly Sabbath. Lots of people have lots of interpretations/views of this portion and I don't have time to go into details. Luke 23:56 - if the women in this verse are Jews, we would expect them to continue observing the Sabbath. If they were not Jews, well, where in the Bible do we see non-Jews given the instruction to begin keeping the Sabbath? There is a big hoopla in Acts 15 about the burden of the Jewish circumcision and not eating meat offered to idols being put upon non-Jews, but not a single hoopla about the new law of keeping the Sabbath put upon non-Jews. I would submit that it makes the most sense to consider these women to simply be Sabbath-keeping Jews. Acts 17:2 - Paul was a Jew, so it's reasonable that He would observe the Sabbath. Acts 16:13 - Paul was a Jew here too, and Timothy was with him, who was even circumcised on account of the Jews. Again, it makes sense they would go out to talk to people on the Sabbath because that is when people would be gathered. Ezekiel 22:26 - again, the Jews.
In the story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son, it could have been reasonable for Abraham to think that Isaac was the messiah. Again, Abraham didn't have the level of info that we have so he would not have known what to expect. But God STOPPED it from happening -- Abraham was NEVER going to sacrifice his son!
For the athiest that was wanting to believe....what got me is I was journaling my thoughts on God...how i didnt believe. I noticed I was starting to get answers to the stuff i was writing in my journal. It freaked me out. But now i'm a believer. It was definitely a process and it might not be the same as mine....but it could be a start...then i started seeking more and started to find out sooo much more. My eyes were starting to be open.
As a long time listener and brother in Christ, I just want to express my sadness over the loss of your mother, and for the saddness this kind of loss brings. God give you his peace, comfort, and strength. May he bless you richly brother!
Question number five, I was in that spot 45 years ago. I found out when I was drunk and stoned that I was angry with God, which surprised me! Without the self control because I wasn’t sober I started throwing rocks at God, or at least I thought I was and I screamed at Him, “If You don’t like the way I live my life then You take over!”. And He did. I was immediately clean and sober and was filled with peace that I couldn’t comprehend. I had literally demanded that God take control of me, which is a bit rude I thought but as I learned about Him I learned that He wanted to take over my life to give me a better life. You obviously don’t have to be drunk, stoned or angry to ask God to show you who He is and what He wants you to believe. He is listening and He knows your heart, your past, your future, your hopes, your dreams and anything else you can think of. Simply ask Him to show you what the answer to your question here is and then look around for His response because He WILL respond. I hope this helps.
I had a similar experience. After repeatedly failing (couldn’t even be a success at sue aside), angry and growling at God “If you want to do something with my life, you’re going to have to do it because I’m doing it all wrong. I quit.” Biggest step forward I ever took.
I live in cronic pain and stuck on the couch, Jesus said to Paul "is my grace not sufficient for you? My strength is perfected in your weakness." I know His salvation all gift is more precious than the curse of my pain that is a result of my own sinful life.
i would really like to have a shirt like that but i dont know how to search for that. lol. If Mike or Sa rah happen to read this and know how to get one...
Mike, answering atheists questions can be TOUGH. But I think you did excellent as always, so don't fret too much wondering if what you said was enough. As you know, seeds are planted. You are doing so much to bring people to faith in Jesus as well as strengthen those who already believe. Thank you and bless you.
Mike, you're a great blessing! You've inspired me, as a dedicated Christian, to delve more into the Bible, take the Bible simply and truthfully, and to live it out daily. God bless you and your family
Thank you so much for this video Mike. I previously was an atheist who turned agnostic and have been seeking the truth about God. I have been watching your videos and felt like I wanted to believe but wasn't quite there yet. This morning I asked the Lord to soften my heart and to help me to find him and have confidence in my beliefs; and this video popped up. Questions 5, 16 and 18 were basically word for word my questions and what I needed to know. Thank you so much for your content and thank the Lord for giving me the strength to question and seek the truth with His and your help.
I am coming back to Christianity. To be honest, I was always doing wrong before. I believed in God in my late teens and throughout my 20s but i never had God in my heart or mind or a priority . One night i had a dream that scared me about my wife's salvation. My family is now going to church, and I am trying my best to live a good life in God's eyes. My question is about the book of Enoch. Does it hold any value or any truths ?
I am so happy and rejoicing that you are being drawn back to the Lord!! My advice to you is to not focus on the practices of Christianity more than getting to know Jesus himself and following him personally. As for Enoch, some traditions consider it Scripture but most do not. Personally I think it is a very useful historical book and is good to read, but it is not infallible or inspired by the Holy Spirit. Best of luck to you in your journey, my friend!
Enoch isn't part of the biblical Canon for several good reasons. Here is what I found. The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish religious work, ascribed by tradition to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah. It is not included in the biblical canon used by Jews, apart from Beta Israel. Most Christian denominations and traditions may accept the Book of Enoch as having some historical or theological interest, but they generally regard it as non-canonical. Here are the top reasons why the Book of Enoch is not included in the Bible according to biblical scholars: 1. **Historical Context and Authenticity**: The Book of Enoch was written much later than the books included in the Hebrew Bible. This later authorship raised questions about its authenticity and relevance as a divinely inspired text. 2. **Jewish Canonization Process**: The Jewish canon was solidified around the first century A.D., and by that time, the Book of Enoch was not widely accepted or used in Jewish religious practices. The Jewish community primarily determined the Old Testament canon, and the Book of Enoch didn't make it into this selection. 3. **Doctrine and Theology**: The Book of Enoch contains some theological and doctrinal content that differs from or contradicts other canonical texts. This inconsistency with established scripture was a significant factor in its exclusion. 4. **Limited Early Adoption**: The Book of Enoch was not universally recognized or used by the early Christian Church. While it did have some influence in certain Christian communities, it was never widely accepted across the broader Christian world. 5. **Language and Geographic Limitations**: The Book of Enoch was primarily preserved in Ge'ez, an ancient Ethiopian language, which limited its accessibility and influence in other regions where different languages were spoken. 6. **Influence of Church Fathers**: Early Church Fathers and councils played a significant role in forming the Christian biblical canon. Many of these influential figures did not regard the Book of Enoch as canonical, affecting its status in the Christian tradition. 7. **Absence in Ancient Manuscripts**: The Book of Enoch was not found among the manuscripts of the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) or among the Dead Sea Scrolls, suggesting that it was not widely regarded as Scripture in early Jewish and Christian communities. Good luck!
@@christiankreiter Thank you so much for the reply. I truly appreciate everything you said. I agree; I need to deepen my relationship with Jesus. Have a great Christmas
Thank you Mike. I have a master degree from a Bible seminary, and even though you don’t have a master degree from a seminary, your work is so much better and thorough than what I have ever done and better and thorough than most if not all of the “experts “ and “scholars “ that I have encountered and read/ studied! So thank you so much for your work. I want to support you- financially and in my prayers for you
My wife was concerned that I wouldn't find ANY school that teaches what I thought was Biblical truth and that I would just waste my time and go further into debt only cuz I made a promise to God I would be a pastor... I have been told they they misspelled cemetery as seminary .... in your experience did you have professors that were very rigid in their theological stance and there was no room for differing thoughts? I ask this cuz while Jesus prayed for us to be on the same page with Him as He is with the Father...we tend to either agree to disagree or rebuild the proverbial tower of Babel (as we are like minded with other humans and yet in opposition to God....as they make a name for themselves) I got kicked out of a prison ministry and I truly felt called to this.. but due to a different viewpoint on the character of God and such...I was no longer in the same camp.....😢
@mrupholsteryman I would point you towards this passage from Acts. Acts 17:10-12 "The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men." I would then follow this up with a question, who awarded the first doctor with thier doctoral degree? In short, I want to make it clear that I am NOT discounting Seminary, but if you truly want to learn more about GOD your study of the Bible should be supplemented by Seminary and Education, and not the other way around.
@@jmcclure18 I just find more and more division and denominational pigeonholing of Jesus into their theological think camp... And while Jesus prayed for us to be on the same page with Him as He is with the Father...there are more folks wanting to just be "like minded" with a group that believes what they believe already....
@@mrupholsteryman I can see and understand what you mean. I myself grew up under one denomination and have shifted to and tried several others, and am currently in a church that I would normally not attend. But the key is that it is undeniable that Satan is attacking the Church, be it by threatening death to those in other countries, or prideful and divisive arguments among well meaning brothers. One of the wisest things I have had a pastor tell me is "we are just a group of sinners trying to live a biblical life, and your welcome to join us in figuring that out." The key is living out iron sharpening iron, without blunting your sword or theirs. Our theology should be strong and able to take impact, but it should never be so stout that change is not possible. The Bible says the same thing, it's the outside assumption and perspective of what the Bible says that is broken and breaking down. The only way to fix this is to have the open and honest conversation about it, with those willing to have that conversation. And to remember that these conversations can be with believing brothers and sisters, and with non-believers as well. So dig into the bible, with both your hands and your teeth. And when you have finished that, do it it again. Attend a Seminary that is inside the realm of Christianity, and filter it through the Bible. If you disagree, formulate an opinion from context of scripture, and present it in gentleness. We learn best in conflict and opposition, but remember not every opponent is your enemy, and sometimes it's just training.
Mike, my deepest condolences in your time of grief. I know in my own experience that a view of eternity helps in the process, but it is still a process that takes effort and time. I pray The Comforter wrap you and your family in the peace that passes all understanding as you grieve, and that memories of past joys and future hope will be a balm to your hurting hearts.
4:28 What an incredible analogy! God has really gifted you with wisdom that allows you to explain really complex things in a way that even a child could understand. Thank you for everything that you do!!
Not an incredible analogy…the red light 🚦 is a culturally created tool to direct transportation and the cop is fulfilling the same purpose under a special circumstance…both are self evident …no special pleading is necessary to assess the need for safety, the dysfunction of the light and the reality of the cop directing traffic. But the reality of an eternal, self-aware consciousness requires special pleading to be believed. The same application of special pleading may function to support any culturally created norms regarding invisible beings and how humans interact with these beings. A ‘real’ God that can’t offer better evidence than thousands of false ones may be reasonably assessed as yet another successful example of a cultural creation not an eternal creator. Indoctrination works …but it’s still indoctrination. When Special Pleading is elevated to the highest virtue …it’s still special pleading. What prevents Christians from being honest about that?
Mike and staff: I have an idea. I would love if you would make specific clips of some of the best questions. This would make it easier to share with friends/family who might not want to watch the whole twenty questions. For example, I really love how Mike answered question 9. I thought of many people I wanted to share it with. Maybe subscribers could vote on their favorite questions. Also, another fun idea: subscribers/listeners could vote on their favorite questions and Mike could do a longer video expounding on the winning question. What I love the most about Mike is his love for the Bible. It’s so contagious!
so sorry for your loss pastor mike, i’m not sure if you read these comments but i will comment anyways. i always look forward to these 20 question livestreams. they rly stretch my thinking and is a very good listen for when i am winding down for bed at night i will pray that God comforts you and gives you peace over this situation. i am currently dealing with chronic back pain as a young adult as well as some anxiety throughout the last few years. i bring this up because i have felt like a complete mess through my trials and i don’t even know how i would respond to a bigger trial such as the death of a loved one like you have. it’s inspiring to me to see you stand firm in the faith and stay committed these videos. i appreciate the hard work! have a good night and God bless!
Thank you for the sabbath question. It really helps with similar topics like Christmas and Easter. I’ve known people who hate on others for making a big deal about Christ for a season and say we should always celebrate that.
Bro, let me just say how much I enjoy your humorous cat themed t-shirts. The sophisticated feline wearing glasses, and now this Jurassic Park parody. 👌🏼
Noooo I missed it again!! I get so hyped for these, thanks Pastor Mike! Praying for your ministry and that God would bless you with more wisdom to help us all be even more amazed at our beloved creator ❤️
Mike your teachings are completely so helpful. I never understood the sacrifice was referring to Jesus the way you show Genesis I can understand what it is you say I watch every day almost but they seem to be 1 to 2 years old. I love them. They minister to me very much thanks again Mike
Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen, that's the holy Spirits power I felt inside me Evidence! very powerful like the wind! Tnx Mike great q&a, hope you feel better God bless you!
That’s not “evidence” …it’s a personal emotional reaction…a totally subjective response. There’s nothing wrong with feeling joy or relief …that’s understandable. We may agree that Theists rely on special pleading and confirmation bias to believe in false gods …but it just so happens that you happen to believe in the real God…knowing you must be right about that creates an urgency to be totally convicted, but it’s still specific pleading and confirmation bias.
@@cipherklosenuf9242 you are so wrong! I already believed in Jesus I wasn't even looking for a confirmation, he just showed up when I was praying one day that's how I know it was him, very powerful like the wind! Was in no way emotional, he is powerful it felt like I left the earth but when I opened my eyes I was still in my room! This happened every day for about a week!
@@victorcharlie7491 I understand your point…and I’m willing to believe you are in earnest. You have nothing to gain from lying to me about these personal experiences so I’m believing you. You were praying (but not necessarily under extraordinary distress or seeking anything special or different from any other devotional prayer time). You felt a tremendous powerful surge which you describe as a mighty wind…I have had similar experiences when I was a theist and I personally understand that it’s difficult to describe …wind works for you…I understand the analogy very well. I once had a vision of heaven during communion…it was very powerful…really wonderfully vivid. Such experiences are reported by people all over the world and from era to era and religion to religion. Such experiences are consistent with what one may reliably know and understand as a neurological phenomenon. No supernatural explanation is necessary to assess such personal neurological phenomena. My experiences (like yours) were genuine, authentic and existential …I consider myself fortunate to have had those experiences (and I’m sympathetic with anyone who has such experiences that aren’t positive). But that’s not “evidence” that a real supernatural, invisible being described in ancient Hebrew and Greek texts was personally revealing itself inside your mind. It’s a personal narrative…and that’s fine…really…sometimes people have extraordinary personal experiences that transcend normal personal perceptions…we always have. You and I both have a personal testimony about somewhat similar transcendent experiences. You personally interpret yours as confirmation that your supernatural beliefs are true. But, That’s meaningful only to yourself and those who agree with you, it isn’t meaningful ‘evidence’ when considered objectively. Saying it qualifies as ‘evidence’ is a misappropriation of the word. My interpretation of my experiences as being neurological in nature is consistent with scientific evidence about how our minds function…it’s still personally important…that’s only natural. How does misappropriation of scientific terminology serve the teachings of Christ?
PRAYING for question number 5 person! I want you to experience the same peace and joy i found in Christ this past summer. The angels in heaven REJOICE over EVERY SINGLE sinner that repents abd turns to Christ!
Thank you for doing this Mike! Asa Christian I have the utmost respect for unbelievers. We need to respect everyone in their personal beliefs and conversations like this are perfect.
Mike, in this series of answers, I’ve heard wisdom and inspired truth that speaks to my heart. I know that God, that the Holy Spirit, speaks through you. Thank you for teaching and inspiring me and all who listen. We are blessed by God through you.
The timing of this video showing up in my RU-vid feed is amazing. I’m a believer, and yesterday all day long my mind was fixated on the Abraham/Isaac sacrifice story and I kept feeling so uncomfortable about this particular story. Your discussion has completely transformed how I view that now. Of course, it all points to the Cross. Thank you!
Awesom & privileged to listen to a brother in christ. Your intriguing to say the least. Mad respect for your knowlage base & diversity of topics you teach. Wish I could grab a coffee and just ask questions. & chew on the meat of the Bible with ya.
I watched many of Mike's videos and am going to keep on watching as part of my Bible study. I truly feel that God has saved my life through Pastor Mike and I can't thank him enough!
Love this one. Interesting to hear what people are thinking about. Love hearing the answers. I am a Christian but I am not an academic so your explainations are easy to understand. Love the example of running a red light. Thanks Mike!
Brother Winger, Thank you so much for what you do! For over 40 years I have had the question on suffering that you addressed in Question #17. Because God is love (1st John 4:16), I knew that "love" had to be the answer. You gave me that answer today. God knew us before He formed us in our mother's womb. If He had stopped evil at its' inception, none of us would have been born (For there is no one righteous, no not one. Romans 3:10) He IS long suffering! What a patient, loving Father! 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2nd Peter 3:9)
I’m very sorry to hear about your mother Mike. I’m also sorry to hear about the loved one that the one listener commented on. I pray for you both and all of your family and friends to have God‘s healing and comfort and God to provide you with faith and strengthin Jesus. God bless you all. Duane.
So well articulated as usual. I use alot of these when I'm out evangelising. The one about the law is spot on! We're not under the 10 commandments but the two... Love God 1st,love your neighbour as yourself.... All those 10 come under those anyway. Hebrew roots have very much confused things today. I had so much insight from the virginity answer for women too. Thanks for your kingdom work
As far as the Abraham and Isaac situation, I think there is a nuance that is often missed in the discussion. Timothy Keller pointed out in his book, "Counterfeit Gods," that the test of faith was for Abraham, not for God. Abraham had put his hope in Isaac. God called him AS A TEST to sacrifice his source of hope and was basically asking Abraham, "Will you put all your hope in me." It's clear that either way, God was not going to allow Abraham to sacrifice his son. (That's also why the ram caught in the thistles is the greater Christ figure in the story. ) Lesson: When we as parents turn our kids into a kind of idol, we end up doing one of two things. We either get angry at them because we expect perfection, or we don't discipline them because we think they are perfect. Either way, our children can not replace our hope in God. We should love them, care for them, etc, but we can not elevate them to be our primary hope.
After teaching ABC Answers in Genesis Sunday School curriculum for the last 2 years I’m firmly a young earth believer. I believe I have learned more than my students. Great 20 today. Thank You, debby
@@Uncle_Jacob Hi Jacob The following is an excerpt from the National Park Service (USA). The Article is titled: Plate Tectonics the Unifying Theory of Geology [And As you know in the context of scientific inquiry the word “theory” is not an opinion or a hunch.] “Plate tectonics has revolutionized the way we view large features on the surface of the Earth. Earth’s internal processes were previously thought to operate in a vertical fashion, with continents, oceans, and mountain ranges bobbing up and down, without much sideways movement. But the acceptance of continental drift and other evidence for large lateral motions changed all that. Now it’s understood that Earth’s internal processes can move large plates of Earth’s outer shell great horizontal distances. Plate tectonics thus provides “the big picture” of geology; it explains how mountain ranges, earthquakes, volcanoes, shorelines, and other features tend to form where the moving plates interact along their boundaries”
I also am sorry at the loss of your mother. Churches do not teach about dying or the decaying of our bodies. My church teaches health and deliverance yet our prayer list is long, some chronic, some w/o a miracle are not going to be corrected. Thank you for your work. It is appreciated.
For question 5 I would like to add a step that might be more tangible. Find a friend or group of friends in the church you're attending, and meet with them on a regular basis. Find someone willing to disciple you. In anything we want to do or join we need a mentor to guide us.
Question 8 - As one who has to deal with chronic pain, I totally understand. I've asked that question out of frustration a few times. With that, great answer brother and if I may add something to that, Joni Eareckson Tada said that the pain and suffering we experience now are like splashes of hell. She said these splashes are a reminder of what we (the Christian) have been saved from. It's temporary and one day, it'll be completely gone. I hope whoever reads this is helped by it as much as I have been.
As a former Satanist coming from the Joy of Satan minsitries, I thank you for being mindful of conversations with specific groups of people. A Q&A from the arguments of truly spiritual satanist would be great; the people that really do respect each other's bodies and are not into it because they are just "mad", are deep into LOTS of historical research of their gods, but have that open mind, just haven't had their beliefs argued against with the truth. People right them off; I know. It was so hard and lonely to come to know Christ. The most isolating time.
A time of isolation can be used as a time of healing. Even if you would spend the rest of your years on a deserted island, what is our pinch of time compared to an eternity with God. I will pray for you, I'm sorry you are hurting.
When you started talking about marriage, 1 hour in, I finally got the biblical truth about Jesus being the bridegroom. I’m a 41 year old single guy, who grew up being a Christian. No one ever said it better
Im so sorry to hear that you lost your mom. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and I know that I need not remind you that you'll see her again. Ill be praying for you and your family 🙏😊
10.17 pm California time just got done with 20 questions. love it brother Mike, Thanks for your time, I'm always blessed by your ministry. & thank you, Sarah Z, too
Hey Mike, loving the program. It is always a struggle for anyone to use the Bible to disprove any of the commandments including the 4th. Short Bibical phrase, "one new moon unto another, one Sabbath unto another ". Prophetic!! Thank you
Thats it, i identify as trans, the kind that gets transformed by jesus, Jesus transformations, renewing of the soul, the mind, transitioning from sin to grace, from wounded, to healed, from hurt to loved, God loves me! And God loves you too Mike! God bless you and your work😊
Mike your explanation of understanding Christianity at 44:51 being that the resurrection is a key to unlocking things is exactly how I teach the Book of Revelation and Eschatology.
I want to express my sorrow for you in the loss of your mother and thank you for telling us about it. I recall awhile back you mentioned being involved in the serious illness of a family member that was taking you away from your work, so I’ve been praying for that situation . . . now I see that the end has come. I’m so very sorry for your grief and loss even when you know that she’s with God. May He comfort you. In dealing with my grief over the loss of my husband of 40 years (three and a half years ago), the way I managed to deal with it was by listening to your podcasts, normally five hours a day; and I still don’t let a day go by without listening to at least one of them. I’m repeating them now, but they’re just as inspiring and fulfilling as the first time around. God speaks to me through your life-changing teaching; I hope you can find a way to be comforted in a way as superlative as mine has been. Thank you, dear Mike.
What steps do you take to put faith in Christ? I didn't repent of any sin. I turned from unbelief to belief. What greater sin is there than unbelief? I did study a lot before the belief occurred and it was the evidence for the resurrection that brought me there. Then, I wanted to give up anything that might offend God. Wanting to turn from sin came after belief for me.
How powerful are those parallels between Isaac and Jesus!? I knew that it was a picture of God offering His own son, but never recognized all the similar elements between the two events. Praise God for providing a perfect atoning sacrifice for us and not sparing His son Jesus Christ. And for Jesus willingly submitting to the Father's will. Wow. I learned so much again from your teaching, Pastor Mike, thank you so much. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
It's VERY True that old age doesn't always means WISDOM!!! I have WAY MORE GRAY HAIR than MIKE, HOWEVER, He's MUCH WISER THAN ME! 🤣😜😂 LOVE YOU, MIKE, Mike!✝
I love your work, Mike. It has been a great help raising my game as a Bible study teacher. Pet peeve: the man who said “help my unbelief” was not described as a centurion. He was one of the crowd when Jesus, Peter, Kames and John came down from the mountain of transfiguration.
Colossians 2:16 “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day”
My favorite definition ans the one that makes so much sense to me on evil is that evil is not a thing in itself but a lack of something. Just as cold is nothing but the lack of heat (thus you can never make it colder than absolute zero as all heat is gone) and darkness is nothing but the lack of light (this you can never make it darker than pitch black as all light is gone), evil is nothing but the lack of good. God is good and thus anything that is not from Him is evil (thats why He sees our own works without Him as filthy rags).
An only good God is threatened by people building a clay tower to heaven … and in response confuses their language and scatters them. This is considered to be an historical event by those who claim the Bible is an accurate account of actual events. Such belief requires magical thinking, confirmation bias and special pleading … A real God is not prevented from requiring such ragged nonsensical reasoning that defies common sense and that results in justifying tyrannical dogmas.
It’s not brilliant. Traffic lights are real and sometimes malfunction. Cops are real and sometimes direct traffic. Any reasonable, responsible adult could step into that situation and assist the public by directing traffic until police arrive…I’ve seen that myself on occasion. All this is self evident reality based common sense. It doesn’t apply to an invisible, eternal being without magical thinking, special pleading and confirmation bias. The same ‘brilliant analogy’ can be applied to Allah or any other supernatural authority claim. Theists remain holding the ‘Yea, but I know I’m right by God bag.’
"What we have to do is we have to find people we trust, and we believe them." That's what I've been trying to get across to skeptics. They have their people and resources they trust, and so do we. We both have sources, and we both have faith in those sources. They'll use science, and so will we. They'll use history and archaeology, and so will we. They'll use philosophy and so will we. But when it all boils down to the other things you say such as the inspiration of The Bible, and the active work of The Holy Spirit in our lives. Which isn't something you just can (very well) put under a microscope.
Exactly!! But each person who has seen the work of God in their lives needs nothing else to prove that He’s real! Everyone has to experienceHim for themselves.
I've always thought about Abraham and the "sacrificing" of his son...This story used to really bother me, but now that I understand about the EVERLASTING Goodness, Grace, and Love of our Heavenly Father to where God WON'T EVER do bad things to people "just because". His Wrath is mostly for people who have blatantly disobeyed His commandments... And even when He does show His Wrath, it's after He has already warned people over & over to stop doing certain things. It's almost like the LAST alternative.
Regarding the question on the Ten Commandments, your answer was spot on, well said. Whereas all the other nine commandments are morally binding to all people, the one referring to the Sabbath is not morally binding in any way, and instead was specifically required of the Jewish nation.
That's such a good answer for why belief is necessary for forgiveness, it's about the relationship with God. I'm realizing people who don't care about God see salvation as escaping hell or going to heaven but those who love God want to go to heaven for God.
Kat, from Q. 5; if you read this, I was in a similar position as you just a couple of years ago. I highly recommend following Dr. James Tour (scientist), he will even talk to you (any Athiest) over the phone about proof for the ressurection. Also look up John Lennox, a lovely man who has some very compelling arguments 🙏 Don't just read the bible; study it. I pray you come to know Jesus. God bless you.😇
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I don't think I heard the story, I only read about it in a comment. Was she a believer? If so, we can give praise that she will be with Christ for eternity and has no more fleshly troubles. Make sure to give yourself time to grieve and allow people to grieve with you as the Bible says to grieve with those who are grieving. I love you man! And never forget how much God/Jesus/Holy Spirit loves you!
On question number five concerning the person who has read all of the gospels and goes to church, but in other words, they have not become convicted of the need for Christ. We should pray the Holy Spirit convicts the person, for none of us have come to God without the Spirit drawing us to Him.
Roman 14:5-6;13 “One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God” “Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.”
#8: often times God is with us in our pain and we don't recognize it or submit to it. For example, when we seek to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength we need to listen to His guidance for us emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. What are we doing that inhibits our emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical health??❤️🙏
One thing I STILL don't understand is.. when the village men came to "rape" the Angels, LOT offered his 2 virgin daughters(to the angry mob of men)... I still have trouble reconciling that part of Scripture.. idk.
This is very late but I did learn about that story. Really messed up… it was definitely a seriously wrong thing to do, and probably broke the trust between his family forever. But when you think about it in the in Lot’s daughters in the in took advantage of him in hopes they could have children(thinking they were the last of humanity so did what they had to). Even then Lot committed another crime because he willingly slept with his youngest daughter too letting himself get drunk again. Honestly it was just a story of how gross Sin can be. And thats just the things we learn about. For me I wonder why women are treated so horribly. He say’s women are punished because its a horrible sin they needed proof. But men dont have proof so they can do the same thing and no one would know. And completely off topic why dont women bits have a built in bear trap so we can protect ourselves TvT
Question. Hey Mike! I unfortunately don't qualify to volunteer at my church at this time due to my past and so I struggle to find a church where I can stay rooted and grow not just as a hearer of the Word but also a doer. I was once at another church where I was able to volunteer and serve in any capacity but the church over emphasized indoctrinating its members instead of educating them in the Word. For a year I endured teachings that focused on exposing false teachers and losing one's salvation as opposed to going through the rest of the Bible. I decided that it was best to leave though I enjoyed physically working in the church. My question is, was it better for me to stay and tolerate bad teaching so that I can serve?
No never . God has shown you Truth . Maybe you should start your own ministry or church. That way your not under judgemental people. Think of Paul a murderer or at least one who drug Christians out to be killed . How are you and your past different.
There are many places to serve outside of church buildings. Homeless shelters and soup kitchens are a great way to witness after getting to know the people. They tend to tolerate the Gospel in order to get services, but once you’ve become close enough to them that you can have a friendly conversation about it they realize that faith in Christ has merit and benefits of peace, joy and contentment. Meanwhile go find a church that teaches you the whole Bible and get your own peace, joy and contentment. Praying for you and asking that you pray for me that we find the church God wants for us. I’m currently attending a church that I can get a ride to and we don’t agree on many things, but I cannot argue with them (it’s not allowed) but I can praise God with them and have some accountability.
If this church doesn't teach grace. Then get out! Churches that teach salvation by works or perfect obedience, will manipulate you. You are free in Christ, enjoy your salvation He paid it all, you are forgiven! Ephesians 2: 8-9
You don’t want to serve in order of bringing people to false teachings. So that is a strong no You don’t say what your past is so I don’t know quite evaluate your current church, I wouldn’t let someone who embezzled be involved with church finances. Probably not wise on neither the church’s part or the individual’s. My question is how welcoming are they of you, if you feel like they are judging you move on. Someone else suggested parachurch activities such as homeless shelters, a divorced person may find purpose in walking with people going through divorce or someone with a history of prison may have purpose in prison outlreach. Praying that you find your place and how to serve.
