20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 104)

Avoiding the Appearance of Evil?: You recently said, "Scripture says: avoid the appearance of evil." I was wondering, if 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 is the verse you were thinking of, isn't that Scripture referring to staying away from partaking in evil, not abstaining from things that look like you're partaking in evil to others?

Q&A question: Avoiding the Appearance of Evil?

About Jesus’ DNA: What was Jesus' DNA? Was Jesus' DNA 100% from God, or did He have Mary's human DNA? Perhaps it's the same DNA as Adam, since Jesus is the 2nd Adam?

Q&A question: About Jesus’ DNA

Angels Ascending & Descending?: What did Jesus mean in John 1: 51? Was it a specific word for Nathanael, or does it apply to everyone? Would really love some clarity.

Q&A question: Angels Ascending & Descending?

Brotherly Support vs. Enabling Legalism: How do we balance being careful not to stumble a fellow believer, while also not catering to someone's legalism?

Q&A question: Brotherly Support vs. Enabling Legalism

Polygamy in Scripture?: Polygamy? Exodus 21: 10–11 says if he takes to himself another woman, he may not reduce her food, her clothing, or her conjugal rights. Clearly, God is speaking of multiple wives. Your thoughts?

Q&A question: Polygamy in Scripture?

Negative Words = Neg. Consequences?: In WOF (Word of Faith) circles, 2 Kings 4:8-37 is an example of why you shouldn’t speak or pray negatively about your situation. What is the actual idea of this passage?

Q&A question: Negative Words = Neg. Consequences?

Envy vs. Jealousy?: Is there a difference between envy and jealousy? Can you describe what the difference is biblically?

Q&A question: Envy vs. Jealousy?

Did Joseph Fail to “Test the Spirits”?: 1 John 4 says to “test the spirits.” But Mary's husband, Joseph, didn't appear to do this when he had the dream to flee to Egypt. How should we understand or interpret this?

Q&A question: Did Joseph Fail to “Test the Spirits”?

Must we “Wait for God” before Salvation?: Can you get saved whenever? My church teaches that God must first “knock on your heart” before you can respond and accept salvation. This leads to some people wanting to be saved, but waiting.

Q&A question: Must we “Wait for God” before Salvation?

Clarifying a Difficult Passage: A local UMC pastor preached on Matthew 18: 21-35. She said scholars say that Matthew added verses 34-35 and that the master does not represent God. I've never heard this take and it sounds concerning. Any insight?

Q&A question: Clarifying a Difficult Passage

Why Didn’t Jesus Baptize?: Why didn’t Jesus water baptize anyone Himself (John 4:2)?

Q&A question: Why Didn’t Jesus Baptize?

Do Not Evangelize to Some People?: Are there situations or groups of people for whom we shouldn't share the Gospel? Acts 16:6-7 seems to say so, but I'd love to hear your insight on the topic and your interpretation of this passage.

Q&A question: Do Not Evangelize to Some People?

Winger explains headship means the husband has a higher position of authority (not the only authority) — when they disagree, the deciding vote goes to the husband. But Jesus commands this be exercised with grace, love, and self-sacrifice, never 'lording it over' the wife.

Q&A question: What does a husband being the head of the wife actually mean he does? Does he boss her around or just be a good man?

Do We Each Have a “Calling”?: How do we know how we (individually) are meant to serve the Lord?

Q&A question: Do We Each Have a “Calling”?

Thoughts on Genesis 1/Creation: I've recently seen Inspiring Philosophy's video on Genesis 1. He says that it's most likely mirroring the near East tradition of assigning purpose rather than actual creation. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Thoughts on Genesis 1/Creation

Song of Solomon = Christ & Church?: I am currently studying Song of Solomon, and I was wondering, do you believe that it represents Christ and the Church? I have an issue with that, as the book describes a sexual relationship.

Q&A question: Song of Solomon = Christ & Church?

Can Same-Sex Attractions Change?: I'm a Christian, converted this year. I've felt the Holy Spirit inspire me to live a better life in many ways. But I still struggle with one thing. I'm gay and I struggle to see how my attraction could change.

Q&A question: Can Same-Sex Attractions Change?

DND, Harry Potter, etc.: The Bible is clear about its stance on sorcery and witchcraft. My husband and I play DND and some people were having an issue with this and potentially also with books containing magic. What are your thoughts?

Q&A question: DND, Harry Potter, etc.

Godly Dating Practices: What is the best way to date for marriage as a Christian? Is there a good way to sift through people to find someone equally yoked?

Q&A question: Godly Dating Practices

Loving the Lord with Everything: I’ve been wondering about the great commandment Jesus gives in Matthew 22: 36. Seems like a Deuteronomy 6 quote, but why does Jesus change the last quality from “might” to “mind”?

Q&A question: Loving the Lord with Everything

Bonus Q!.Were they really taking the Hobbits to Isengard?

Q&A question