20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 83)

The Purpose of our Lives: As Christians, what is the purpose of our lives?

Q&A question: The Purpose of our Lives

About Kenosis Theology: Is Bethel style Kenosis theology from Philippians 2:5-11 heretical (where Christ is said to have lost His divinity to live instead as a human)? Or is that a secondary issue like sacraments and eschatology?

Q&A question: About Kenosis Theology

When People Justify Bad Behavior w/Scripture: When strong Christians suddenly start to justify sinful treatment of others (rage, control, insults, blaming) through Scripture twisting, could this be due to a shipwrecked faith or mental illness?

Q&A question: When People Justify Bad Behavior w/Scripture

Should we Pray in Public Before Meals?: I grew up praying before every meal, even in restaurants. I want to know how often I should do this, since I don’t want to be like the Pharisees praying publicly to be seen by others.

Q&A question: Should we Pray in Public Before Meals?

Can Satan Heal People?: In view of the magicians in Exodus potentially getting their power from Satan, can Satan and demons heal, and are these potentially healings that don't last?

Q&A question: Can Satan Heal People?

How to Reach Catholic Family Members: I’m a new believer, and my wife is a Catholic. Married 5 years. We have 2 very young baby daughters. How do I win my wife to Christ if she grew up rigidly Catholic? I can't break past her typological beliefs.

Q&A question: How to Reach Catholic Family Members

Empathizing with Victims of Tragic Events: How should I view the pain I feel for victims of the Holocaust, Nanking Massacre, etc. when these groups were mostly un-elect vessels of wrath who will receive no comfort?

Q&A question: Empathizing with Victims of Tragic Events

Is Psychology Satanic?: I’ve heard some people say that psychology belongs to Satan and that Christians should stray from studying it. What is your opinion on that, and is there any biblical basis for avoiding it?

Q&A question: Is Psychology Satanic?

How Might Fathers Exasperate their Children?: What does “Fathers, do not exasperate your children” in Colossians 3: 21 mean? Is this meant to be a general guidance to raising children, or discipling them?

Q&A question: How Might Fathers Exasperate their Children?

How to Distinguish Core Doctrines: How do I know what things are a “salvation issue” that I have to be right about, and what things are more open to interpretation that if I am wrong about my salvation will not be affected?

Q&A question: How to Distinguish Core Doctrines

Why is the Resurrection so Important?: Why are Jesus' claims and resurrection the one true root of our faith? Asking to help explain it to unbelievers who believe all religions lead to God.

Q&A question: Why is the Resurrection so Important?

Must We Look Forward to our Glorified Bodies?: As a disabled person, some claim I’m missing out because I’m not looking forward to a new body. I’m content. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Must We Look Forward to our Glorified Bodies?

Why was Tamar a “Disgraced Woman”?: Why was Tamar in 2 Samuel considered “a disgraced woman” after being raped by her half-brother, Amnon?

Q&A question: Why was Tamar a “Disgraced Woman”?

Should we Insert Names into Scripture?: A friend likes to substitute names in place of "you" in Scripture. Is that biblical? Romans 15: 13 for example.

Q&A question: Should we Insert Names into Scripture?

Why does Jesus need to Pray in Heaven?: Why does Jesus pray for us in Heaven when He could just directly ask God, since He is seated at the right hand of God?

Q&A question: Why does Jesus need to Pray in Heaven?

How to get Others Excited about Apologetics: What is the best way to get a fellow believer to realize the importance of apologetics? I meet way too many Christians who are just like, "I just read the Bible and that's all that's important."

Q&A question: How to get Others Excited about Apologetics

Why 6 Commandments Rather Than 10?: In Matthew 19: 18-19, why doesn’t Jesus tell the man to follow all 10 commandments instead of the 6 he listed when the man questioned him about having eternal life?

Q&A question: Why 6 Commandments Rather Than 10?

Was Early Church Worship the Same?: Do we know if the early Church worshiped in a similar way to how we have corporate worship today?

Q&A question: Was Early Church Worship the Same?

How to Draw Near to God when we Feel Far: I’m far from the Lord in this moment and not very genuine. What could I do to improve my relationship with God and to be as honest as I can, be obedient to Him, and listen to His word?

Q&A question: How to Draw Near to God when we Feel Far

Are we “Worthy” and “Enough”?: What do you think of popular statements such as “You are Worthy” and “You are enough”? To me, neither sound biblical. We are unworthy and not enough, and neither do we have to be, because Jesus is.

Q&A question: Are we “Worthy” and “Enough”?