20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 55)

About Church Discipline: Can you please explain what the Bible says about local churches having a process of “church discipline” and how that should be carried out? Should it be rare, or a regular part of church life? Where should leaders draw the line when deciding if someone made a minor mistake vs. someone needing discipline?

Q&A question: About Church Discipline

Is Baptism Required?: Why does the Bible sound like baptism is required for salvation in some places (eg. Mark 16: 16)? Does Acts 1:5 answer what KIND of baptism IS required (Holy Spirit baptism)? And what did Jesus mean by “to fulfill righteousness”?

Q&A question: Is Baptism Required?

About Tithing & “Prosperity” Teachings: My church says a declaration before tithing. Part of it is: "I am believing Him for advancements, God-ideas, blessings & increases, financial freedom, & breakthroughs." Is this a prosperity church red flag?

Q&A question: About Tithing & “Prosperity” Teachings

Are Murder Mysteries Appropriate for Believers?: I watched your video on Halloween, and I’m wondering what your thoughts are on murder mystery dinner parties (and for that matter, murder mysteries in general). Is it wrong to be entertained by them?

Q&A question: Are Murder Mysteries Appropriate for Believers?

Why does Pastor Mike Love Jesus?: I would love to know, why do you love Jesus?

Q&A question: Why does Pastor Mike Love Jesus?

About Doubt, Truth, & Bias: My friend is doubting his faith and reality because he claims there's no way to discern truth objectively without some sort of bias. How would you answer him?

Q&A question: About Doubt, Truth, & Bias

Can Sons be Punished for Parents’ Sins?: Don't questions like 2 Kings 5: 27, 2 Kings 9:8, and Exodus 12: 29 contradict Ezekiel 18: 20 which says that sons cannot be punished for the sins of their fathers?

Q&A question: Can Sons be Punished for Parents’ Sins?

Should We Ever Hate People?: Should we hate the evil doer (e.g., those who promote or perform abortion) or should we just keep their salvation in mind? Or can we do both at the same time?

Q&A question: Should We Ever Hate People?

Can the Deceased Send us Signs?: How do you explain to someone that their dead loved one is not sending signs to them, no matter how convincing those signs are?

Q&A question: Can the Deceased Send us Signs?

About Questionable Worship Lyrics: I play guitar at my church. I don’t always agree with the theology couched in some songs. I don’t sing lines I don’t agree with, but I am still on stage. Would love to hear your general thoughts on this!

Q&A question: About Questionable Worship Lyrics

How to Repent When We’re Not “Feeling” It: How do I repent unto salvation (repent and be saved) when I do not want to? I am asking from the current place of being unsaved.

Q&A question: How to Repent When We’re Not “Feeling” It

About the Fear of Eternity: A student recently shared a fear of hers: the idea of eternity, even if in Heaven. I have to admit I struggle with this, as well. Any advice for me, for how I can comfort her from the Bible?

Q&A question: About the Fear of Eternity

About our Music Choices: Is it OK to listen to old music from former Christians, like Kevin Max or Ray Boltz? Is their music prior to them leaving Christ OK to listen to?

Q&A question: About our Music Choices

About Adam & Eve / Sin Nature: Were Adam and Eve created WITH a sin nature at their creation? If not, why then did they choose to sin in the first place, all the while God having called His creation good?

Q&A question: About Adam & Eve / Sin Nature

About God being our Loving Father: I've been a believer for a very long time, but still struggle with the concept of God as loving Father. Mainly due to my upbringing. How do I overcome this? The doubt is overwhelming.

Q&A question: About God being our Loving Father

Clashing Translations?: In 1 Corinthians 7, whom do verses 36-38 address? Some versions add "daughter," implying fathers, but ESV, in using "his betrothed" and "his passions" seem to indicate a groom.

Q&A question: Clashing Translations?

How to Witness to an Angry Person: My friend has left Christianity. His family is a bit extreme and aggressive with their faith, and he says they are what pushed him away from his. If I try to talk with him, he gets angry. What can I do?

Q&A question: How to Witness to an Angry Person

How to Tell if a Sermon is Biblical: How does one recognize if a message is biblically accurate? Oftentimes a message is given with Scripture to back it up. How do you gauge the truthfulness of the message?

Q&A question: How to Tell if a Sermon is Biblical

Wrestling with Matters of Conscience: I’m a family photographer being asked to do sessions involving a same-sex couple with kids. I've done sessions for cohabitating pregnant couples before, but how can I handle this as a Christian?

Q&A question: Wrestling with Matters of Conscience

Balancing Work & Family in Life: My job has been taking away too much family time (extreme employee shortage), but I've been there many years and feel the relationships are still a mission field. How can I balance this?

Q&A question: Balancing Work & Family in Life