20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 69)

About the Parable of the Prodigal Son: Can you please teach us about the Parable of the Prodigal Son, specifically focusing on the obedient son who stays in his father's house and ends up resenting his prodigal brother? It seems like there's no real benefit to being the obedient son in that situation. Am I missing cultural context that would enhance my understanding of this parable?

Q&A question: About the Parable of the Prodigal Son

Did David Not Understand Heaven?: In Psalm 6:5 David asks God to spare his life because "For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?" Does David not have a belief or understanding of Heaven at this point in his life?

Q&A question: Did David Not Understand Heaven?

About “The Last Reformation”: Have you heard of a movement called The Last Reformation, started by Torben Sondergaard in Denmark? Now he’s based in the U.S., but it has grown worldwide. Would you consider it a cult?

Q&A question: About “The Last Reformation”

About the Devil’s Disguise: The devil, according to 2 Corinthians 11: 14, disguises as angel of light, but can't fight against himself ( Mark 3: 24) or his kingdom won't stand. What if in disguising himself, he condemns himself?

Q&A question: About the Devil’s Disguise

Raising Children with an Unbelieving Spouse: My husband doesn't believe in God and our 6 year old has started to notice and is asking why daddy doesn't believe. How should I approach this in a way that's helpful and honors my husband and God?

Q&A question: Raising Children with an Unbelieving Spouse

Biblical or Unbiblical Use of a Verse?: Many Christians use "The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away" from Job (1: 21) to explain difficult things such as the death of a loved one. Is this biblical, or is it a misinterpretation of Job?

Q&A question: Biblical or Unbiblical Use of a Verse?

Drawing Near to God on Spiritual Holidays: First Easter being saved! Do you have any suggestions for some God honoring ways to spend Good Friday and Holy Saturday? I’m so excited and want to do whatever is in my power to feel especially close to Christ.

Q&A question: Drawing Near to God on Spiritual Holidays

Strengthening our Faith When Others are Doubting: I have been doubting lately because I know of so many people deconverting even after finding apologetics. It makes me question my reasoning at times. What are your thoughts on this?

Q&A question: Strengthening our Faith When Others are Doubting

Why Don’t We Have To Obey the Sabbath?: It seems the only commandment of the 10 that we don't still HAVE to follow is the Sabbath. If it was as important as the other 10, why are they all still upheld without exception and not that one?

Q&A question: Why Don’t We Have To Obey the Sabbath?

Handling Local Church Concerns: I’m afraid our church is being unknowingly influenced by progressivism. Ex: People love the podcast “the bible for normal people” with Pete Enns. Should we be worried? How do I share my concerns?

Q&A question: Handling Local Church Concerns

When a Spouse Refuses to Follow Scripture: Can you help a brotha out on what to do if your wife says she will never be a biblical wife for her husband? She is a believer.

Q&A question: When a Spouse Refuses to Follow Scripture

Should We Bring Back Crusades?: Do you think that churches should bring back Gospel crusades? As I was saved at one in the 70s. These days, no one wants to preach the Gospel, but rather, do community works.

Q&A question: Should We Bring Back Crusades?

Was Marriage Different in Biblical Times / Premarital Sex: Some say the biblical prohibition against premarital sex no longer applies since marriage then was so different. How was marriage different then, and how should that impact our view of sex now?

Q&A question: Was Marriage Different in Biblical Times / Premarital Sex

Does Scripture Teach Familial Marriage?: 1 Corinthians 7: 36-38 seems like Paul is saying someone can marry their own daughter. The translations usually say fiancée but when I looked at the Greek the word used means virgin daughter.

Q&A question: Does Scripture Teach Familial Marriage?

Does John 6 Teach Faith as a Work?: I recently watched your Calvinism series and you didn't address John 6: 28-29 where Jesus calls belief "work.” I don't think it defeats Romans 3: 27. What do you think?

Q&A question: Does John 6 Teach Faith as a Work?

About Freemasonry: Can you explain why Christians shouldn't be affiliated with Freemasonry? I have family members who are Freemasons and believe you can be a Christian AND be a member of a Masonic lodge. YIKES.

Q&A question: About Freemasonry

About Conditional Immortality: What are your thoughts on conditional immortality?

Q&A question: About Conditional Immortality

What is Biblical “Meekness”?: Do you believe the current oxford definition of meek or meekness is biblically correct? It's being quiet, gentle, and submissive – but I’ve heard it's being powerful under control. I’d Love to hear your thoughts!

Q&A question: What is Biblical “Meekness”?

Was the Manner of Jesus’ Death Significant?: Was there significance in the exact manner Jesus died, or was it just circumstantial because of the culture/location/era in which He lived? Are there other ways Jesus could have been killed? Would the Gospel be unchanged if perhaps Jesus was thrown off a mountain by the Pharisees or thrown in the Colosseum or something?

Q&A question: Was the Manner of Jesus’ Death Significant?

What Parts of God’s Image do Humans Share?: "Let Us make man in Our image,” in what way(s) are we made in the image of God?

Q&A question: What Parts of God’s Image do Humans Share?