20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 73)

Conviction vs. Condemnation: Can you help me process the difference between “conviction” and “condemnation”? I know it’s right to feel sorry when I sin, but where’s the fine line between that feeling and allowing my guilt to cripple me and make me feel like a failure who is unclean before God?

Q&A question: Conviction vs. Condemnation

Thoughts about IVF: What are your thoughts about IVF? I’ve been battling infertility for a few years, but I’m concerned about whether IVF is biblically acceptable, especially about discarding the extra embryos. Is it equal to abortion to discard the embryos even if we can't guarantee they will grow if planted in the womb?

Q&A question: Thoughts about IVF

Did the Father Turn His Face Away?: Did the Father really turn His face away from Jesus on the cross?

Q&A question: Did the Father Turn His Face Away?

About the Witness in John 8: In John 8: 13-19, Jesus testifies that the Father is His witness. Given the emphasis on 2 witnesses in the Law, why did He not mention the Holy Spirit in this point? The absence is conspicuous.

Q&A question: About the Witness in John 8

Are Ministry Raffles & Lotteries Biblical?: What does the Bible say about ministries that raise money using raffles, lotteries, or giveaways? Would you give money to them? They appeal to my (and presumably others’) carnality. Is this sinful?

Q&A question: Are Ministry Raffles & Lotteries Biblical?

The Trinity: Can We Ever be 100% Certain?: I've been fighting doubts and "what ifs" about the Trinity lately, and though I'm confident in the answers I've gotten, I fear I'll never be certain about it again. Any advice?

Q&A question: The Trinity: Can We Ever be 100% Certain?

Help Understanding Gossip: I’ve been confused about what type of talk is considered “gossip.” I don’t want to be doing it, but sometimes it’s hard for me to tell if it’s gossip or not. How do I tell what is and isn’t gossip?

Q&A question: Help Understanding Gossip

Are there Differing Accounts of Who Saw Jesus?: How should we explain the differing accounts of people who saw Jesus after He rose? Some verses say women saw Him first, and others say men.

Q&A question: Are there Differing Accounts of Who Saw Jesus?

Is it Biblical to Spank Children?: Is it biblical for parents to spank their children? Does it model Christian character? Any advice for parents on how to biblically discipline their children, especially young children (around 2 years old)?

Q&A question: Is it Biblical to Spank Children?

About the Treasure/Pearl in Matthew 13: Is Matthew 13: 44-46 about us finding salvation in Jesus, OR is it about Jesus giving all for us? Is the treasure/pearl our salvation in Jesus? Or is it our value to Him?

Q&A question: About the Treasure/Pearl in Matthew 13

Wisdom in Applying for Ministry Jobs: I'm pursuing a degree in religion, and considering looking for ministry jobs. Is it right of me to apply for ministry jobs I might not be qualified for and trust the church to make a good decision?

Q&A question: Wisdom in Applying for Ministry Jobs

Clarifying a Confusing Verse: What’s your opinion on Genesis 3: 16? ESV says “contrary to” and other translations say “for.” It can’t be both, can it? I’m so confused by it.

Q&A question: Clarifying a Confusing Verse

Did God Command Balaam & then Become Upset?: Why does God get angry with Balaam in Numbers 22: 20-22 for going when it seems He just told him to go in verse 20?

Q&A question: Did God Command Balaam & then Become Upset?

About Repentance & Rebuke: Can you talk about Luke 17:3? Should you rebuke someone after they repent?

Q&A question: About Repentance & Rebuke

Does God Only Speak through Scripture?: Does God still speak to us? I have heard it said that if you want to hear God speak, read your Bible; and if you want to hear Him speak audibly, read the Bible out loud. I believe God does still speak, but I’m conflicted.

Q&A question: Does God Only Speak through Scripture?

Why is Transgender Surgery Wrong?: If Christian work is restorative: healing the sick, clothing the naked, etc. to create "foretastes" of Heaven, then why is transgender surgery wrong? Isn't that also restorative/fixing disorder?

Q&A question: Why is Transgender Surgery Wrong?

About Prophecy in Matthew’s Gospel: A Muslim asked: “Why did the Gospel of Matthew ascribe the prophecy in Isaiah 7 to Jesus, when that prophecy described events which didn’t happen within centuries in Jesus’ lifetime?”

Q&A question: About Prophecy in Matthew’s Gospel

Loving our Enemies when it’s Difficult: How must we love enemies according to the Bible in extreme scenarios, such as loving murderers and rapists? In which way should we love them?

Q&A question: Loving our Enemies when it’s Difficult

Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?: We just got a new pastor, and he preaches from commentaries in addition to the Bible. Is this something that we should be cautious about? Is there a line where it can become too much?

Q&A question: Should Pastors Preach Using Commentaries?

Can God be in the Presence of Sin?: If God cannot be in the presence of sin, how do you reconcile an eternal perfect unity within the Trinity with the moment that Jesus “became sin” on the cross?

Q&A question: Can God be in the Presence of Sin?