20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 78)

Spiritual but Not Religious?: How should we respond when someone says, “I’m not religious, I’m spiritual”?

Q&A question: Spiritual but Not Religious?

Who is our “Neighbor”?: “Who, then, is my neighbor?” In Luke 10: 25-37, I know the Good Samaritan is me, but who does the "neighbor" he helped represent? I have never met a naked, beaten, and robbed Jew...I don't think.

Q&A question: Who is our “Neighbor”?

About Mid-Acts Dispensationalism: Can you give some more information on the Mid-Acts Dispensationalism movement? It sounds biblical.

Q&A question: About Mid-Acts Dispensationalism

Should Ungodly Behavior Cause Doubt?: If I were to doubt Christianity (I don't), it would be because of a lack of holiness. Christians seem to be jerks at the same rate as the world, or more. Why is this, if we have the Holy Spirit?

Q&A question: Should Ungodly Behavior Cause Doubt?

God in the Garden: Who was walking in the garden in Genesis 3:8? Was it Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit, or all three?

Q&A question: God in the Garden

About Anglo/British Israelism: What are your thoughts on Anglo-Israelism or British Israelism? It is the belief that America and the British commonwealth are physical descendants of Israel.

Q&A question: About Anglo/British Israelism

Discerning True vs. False Prophecies: How do you test WOF prophecy when it sounds more like insights/encouragements, not foretelling future events? What SHOULD modern prophecy sound like?

Q&A question: Discerning True vs. False Prophecies

Is Fear of Hell a Valid Motivator?: Would a death bed conversion work if the main driving factor is the fear of Hell rather than choosing to trust God?

Q&A question: Is Fear of Hell a Valid Motivator?

Biblical Advice for Parents: What advice can you give to parents in these times to help them raise children who choose to trust and follow Jesus later in life? Can you do a biblical series on parenting?

Q&A question: Biblical Advice for Parents

What Should I Do if I Question My Salvation?: If someone is thinking that they might not be saved, seeing their sinfulness, what should they do? “Not sinning” sort of seems like a Band-Aid on the problem.

Q&A question: What Should I Do if I Question My Salvation?

Singular vs. Plural Pronouns for God?: Why is it improper to refer to God as "they" instead of "He," since He is three persons? Example of the problem: "He spoke to Job out of the storm" tends to make us think the Father alone is speaking.

Q&A question: Singular vs. Plural Pronouns for God?

Can Past Sins Disqualify a Man from Leadership?: If a man’s pre-salvation life is especially disgraceful, could he ever truly be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2)? Could old sin, then, even if confessed, disqualify him from being a pastor or elder?

Q&A question: Can Past Sins Disqualify a Man from Leadership?

About the Geneva Bible: In your study of Bible translations, have you ever looked at the Geneva Bible that I believe the pilgrims used? What is its textual basis? Do you think Christians should read it?

Q&A question: About the Geneva Bible

Is there Room in Christianity for Psychedelics?: Given the resurgence of psychedelics for recreation and therapeutic use in Western society, is there room for it in Christianity, or should its use stay separate from spiritual practice?

Q&A question: Is there Room in Christianity for Psychedelics?

What were the “Horns” on the Altar?: Why did the altar in the Tabernacle have the horns? Could you please clarify this?

Q&A question: What were the “Horns” on the Altar?

What does it Mean to “Share in Christ’s Sufferings”?: When we share in Christ’s sufferings, does that refer only to suffering that comes in opposition to doing God’s will, or can it also include something like suffering through a disease or a loss?

Q&A question: What does it Mean to “Share in Christ’s Sufferings”?

Is Anyone Presently in Hell?: Is Hell something that is taking place right now, or is that a future reality after the final judgment (Luke 16: 19-31)?

Q&A question: Is Anyone Presently in Hell?

Seminary Suggestions and How to Study Well: I’m currently a Junior in high school and plan to go to a seminary after school to become a preacher. How and where do I start studying the Bible to become a true BibleThinker?

Q&A question: Seminary Suggestions and How to Study Well

Are there Multiple “Gods” in Jeremiah?: Why does Jeremiah 46: 25 and Jeremiah 51: 44 make it seem like there are multiple gods? How can God punish a god that doesn’t exist?

Q&A question: Are there Multiple “Gods” in Jeremiah?

Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?: Should prayer be a dialogue or monologue? How should we determine if instances of humans having a dialogue with God in the Bible are to be taken as normative?

Q&A question: Should Prayer be a Dialogue or Monologue?