20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 38)

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:43 {Why does John and Other Passages Not Mention Repentance?} If repentance is required to be saved, why is it not mentioned in the Gospel of John and other evangelical texts like Acts 16: 31 and Romans 10? Can repentance be somewhat synonymous with belief?
2. 10:41 {About Orthodox Beliefs} What do Orthodox Christians believe vs. Protestants? Is their doctrine as problematic as Catholic doctrine? (I heard Hank Hanegraaf converted to it.)
3. 15:43 {About the Greek in Bible Translations} Pastors often say, "what the Greek REALLY says is…" Why don't translators use the Greek that pastors cite in sermons then? (Like how Peter is akin to pebble but is translated as rock.)
4. 19:41 {Explanation of Ezekiel 14 – Prophets} In Ezekiel 14:9 it says if a prophet is deceived, it’s the Lord who deceived him. Could you offer some explanation to this verse, as it seems out of character for God?
5. 25:38 {About Saving Faith in the OT} Romans 4 tells us that Abraham was saved because of his faith. He believed in God. How can we say that just because he was saved that way, everyone else in the OT was saved that way? Also, if they were saved that way, why did they have to sacrifice lambs? And if people were always saved by just believing in God, why was it necessary for Christ to come?
6. 31:15 {Fruit of the Spirit – Longsuffering} Could you please explain what longsuffering means, in regard to the fruit of the Spirit?
7. 32:40 {Is All of Scripture Inspired?} When Paul says, "I say, not the Lord but I..." in 1 Corinthians 7: 12, does that mean that portion of Scripture was not inspired?
8. 36:12 {Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation} Does God really love me, and am I really saved? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but I am still sinful and I struggle with sin. However, it seems that God answers my prayers. Am I really saved?
9. 39:47 {Has Mankind always only had One Spirit?} What are your views that God only created one spirit and gave it to Adam which was then passed through generations? This explains how God doesn’t create an impure spirit at birth, or generational curse.
10. 42:44 {About Witnessing and Exemplifying Christ} My husband isn’t open to hearing me speak truth, so I have stopped correcting him. Is this a sin?? If he dies, he will go to hell.
11. 45:00 {Promises vs. Prophecies} Is there a difference between a promise and a prophecy? Are all God's promises prophecies? Am I responsible if a prophecy told about me doesn't come to pass? A church leader told me these things.
12. 47:54 {How to Be Kind when it’s Difficult} What specific actions can one who has no empathy do to be kind? (Thinking 1 Corinthians 13 "kind.")
13. 50:27 {Help with Marital Conflict} I feel led by God to homeschool my teens. My husband disagrees. He doesn't want them to be sheltered. I want to submit, but I’m conflicted. Thoughts?
14. 53:13 {“Free Grace” Theology, Faith, & Works} Free grace theology says that "save" in James 2: 14 means from physical death or harm. All uses of the word “save” in James 2: 14 are in the context of physical harm, so why is this different for you in 2: 14?
15. 57:31 {When is Kissing Sinful?} Is all kinds of romantic kissing outside of marriage a sin? Could a Christian actor/actress do a kissing scene?
16. 1:00:28 {Do Jew. & Gent. Christians Worship Together?} I’m an ethnically Jewish Christian and have seen that some believe that Jewish & Gentile Christians worship together, but with different lifestyle callings. This has been stressful. Input?
17. 1:03:25 {Did God Promote Adultery in Genesis?} In Genesis 38:7-10, Someone was commanded to lay with his brother’s wife and impregnate her. He didn’t impregnate her, and the Lord struck him down. Is God promoting adultery?
18. 1:07:35 {How to Tell if Repentance is Genuine} How can we know if we have genuinely repented from our sins?
19. 1:09:45 {How to Respond to Disrespect} How do you respond to a brother or sister that disrespects you?
20. 1:11:41 {About “Friends by Unrighteous Wealth” in Luke} What does Jesus mean when He says to make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth in Luke 16:9?

Helping you learn to think biblically about everything.

[sarahfaith]

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Introduction
1. 0:43 {Why does John and Other Passages Not Mention Repentance?} If repentance is required to be saved, why is it not mentioned in the Gospel of John and other evangelical texts like Acts 16: 31 and Romans 10? Can repentance be somewhat synonymous with belief?
2. 10:41 {About Orthodox Beliefs} What do Orthodox Christians believe vs. Protestants? Is their doctrine as problematic as Catholic doctrine? (I heard Hank Hanegraaf converted to it.)
3. 15:43 {About the Greek in Bible Translations} Pastors often say, "what the Greek REALLY says is…" Why don't translators use the Greek that pastors cite in sermons then? (Like how Peter is akin to pebble but is translated as rock.)
4. 19:41 {Explanation of Ezekiel 14 – Prophets} In Ezekiel 14:9 it says if a prophet is deceived, it’s the Lord who deceived him. Could you offer some explanation to this verse, as it seems out of character for God?
5. 25:38 {About Saving Faith in the OT} Romans 4 tells us that Abraham was saved because of his faith. He believed in God. How can we say that just because he was saved that way, everyone else in the OT was saved that way? Also, if they were saved that way, why did they have to sacrifice lambs? And if people were always saved by just believing in God, why was it necessary for Christ to come?
6. 31:15 {Fruit of the Spirit – Longsuffering} Could you please explain what longsuffering means, in regard to the fruit of the Spirit?
7. 32:40 {Is All of Scripture Inspired?} When Paul says, "I say, not the Lord but I..." in 1 Corinthians 7: 12, does that mean that portion of Scripture was not inspired?
8. 36:12 {Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation} Does God really love me, and am I really saved? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but I am still sinful and I struggle with sin. However, it seems that God answers my prayers. Am I really saved?
9. 39:47 {Has Mankind always only had One Spirit?} What are your views that God only created one spirit and gave it to Adam which was then passed through generations? This explains how God doesn’t create an impure spirit at birth, or generational curse.
10. 42:44 {About Witnessing and Exemplifying Christ} My husband isn’t open to hearing me speak truth, so I have stopped correcting him. Is this a sin?? If he dies, he will go to hell.
11. 45:00 {Promises vs. Prophecies} Is there a difference between a promise and a prophecy? Are all God's promises prophecies? Am I responsible if a prophecy told about me doesn't come to pass? A church leader told me these things.
12. 47:54 {How to Be Kind when it’s Difficult} What specific actions can one who has no empathy do to be kind? (Thinking 1 Corinthians 13 "kind.")
13. 50:27 {Help with Marital Conflict} I feel led by God to homeschool my teens. My husband disagrees. He doesn't want them to be sheltered. I want to submit, but I’m conflicted. Thoughts?
14. 53:13 {“Free Grace” Theology, Faith, & Works} Free grace theology says that "save" in James 2: 14 means from physical death or harm. All uses of the word “save” in James 2: 14 are in the context of physical harm, so why is this different for you in 2: 14?
15. 57:31 {When is Kissing Sinful?} Is all kinds of romantic kissing outside of marriage a sin? Could a Christian actor/actress do a kissing scene?
16. 1:00:28 {Do Jew. & Gent. Christians Worship Together?} I’m an ethnically Jewish Christian and have seen that some believe that Jewish & Gentile Christians worship together, but with different lifestyle callings. This has been stressful. Input?
17. 1:03:25 {Did God Promote Adultery in Genesis?} In Genesis 38:7-10, Someone was commanded to lay with his brother’s wife and impregnate her. He didn’t impregnate her, and the Lord struck him down. Is God promoting adultery?
18. 1:07:35 {How to Tell if Repentance is Genuine} How can we know if we have genuinely repented from our sins?
19. 1:09:45 {How to Respond to Disrespect} How do you respond to a brother or sister that disrespects you?
20. 1:11:41 {About “Friends by Unrighteous Wealth” in Luke} What does Jesus mean when He says to make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth in Luke 16:9?

[sarahb]

Question 10: It took my Mother (a believer) to get my Father (a former atheist) to go to church with her after 11 years of marriage. The only reason he agreed was to get her to stop asking, and the moment he heard the first sermon he broke down in tears and the Lord's holy Spirit spoke to him, since that day, now almost 40 years ago, he is an 82 year old man whom has the strongest faith I have yet to see in a single individual. Never give up, good things come to those who wait :) Have Faith & God Bless !!

[mosart]

For Brandy (question 10), a lady in our church came year after year without her husband. A couple of months ago I noticed her husband was with her. He came with her one Sunday, stay seated after the service, asked to talk to the Pastor, and received the love of Jesus. So it can and does happen!

[julianaallen]

My dad would say there is a change in your heart when you become saved, and for years I thought I was saved, I loved God and knew that Jesus died for our sins, but my heart didn't change.. until it did.. I had know problem with certain sins before, and now I am aware of all of them. It's such a battle everyday bc more then anything I don't want to sin against my creator bc the love is so much stronger. I still have trouble with a couple things but for the most part my heart changed, I didn't have to do anything to suddenly feel this terrible guilt. I just happened when I fully trusted in Jesus and knew I wanted my family, husband and my friends (some of which don't really care about God bc they are perfectly happy in their sin) to never see the lake of fire. God gives us so much time to change.. just give in and make him your #1

[Nighthawkinlight]

In my circles growing up, it was implied that repentance is only genuine "if you don't do it again" referring to turning from specific sins. I can't recall a time that phrase was said outright by a teacher, but it was definitely the idea that sunk into my mind and the minds of my peers. I find that idea strongly unbiblical and so it's understandable why the term repentance is being fought against. It's been horribly defined as being synonymous with sanctification. Sanctification has to do with overcoming sins and striving toward holiness, but repentance is only to say "I have no holiness, but I want it. Jesus save me!".

[paulbrennan]

I really love the answer "repentance is an attitude". Having the right attitude in one's heart solves so many of the problems we face. Great session as usual Mike!

[eugenejoseph]

Without knowing anything about Mike, his demeanor and gentle manner will win more people for Jesus, than any joyless reformed preacher that think everyone who disagree with them are not the 'elect'.

[untamablebenjamin]

Official petition for a "How much gummy bears are in this jar" contest. Winner gets his shirt.

[commonchristian]

In about the first few minutes you described the first 18 years of my ‘Christian’ life - I had lots of head knowledge of God and I FULLY believed in Christ and He had died for me.

My heart was not after God though - His name was on my lips but my heart was far from him.

I was not saved…but thanks be to God He opened my eyes!

[Omeghazip]

I'm highly disappointed that YT did not notify me when you went live like I set a reminder for it to do. But thankfully someone basically asked the question I was going to ask in question number 8! And thank you for your answer. I prayed for assurance and your answer was one of several I have received the past two days. Praise God forever!!!!

[faithharbour]

Thank you Mike 🙏🏼. Also I REALLY appreciate the fact that you do not use intro, outro or background music in almost all of your videos. My ears and my concentration thank you 😊

Please pray for me I need the intercession of Gods Children

[chrissiegoosen]

I hear a man with a humble heart. Thank you for your teachings. May the Lord bless you and keep you. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[jesusislord]

Without repentance there is no. forgiveness of sins.

Thank you for this video

[nathanroyse]

Just over three and a half years ago I had been sick for over three years and no doctors could place it. I broke down before the Lord. I didn't ask for healing but I told Him I am done living that way. Two days later I felt His presence and then I was flooded with the Holy Spirit. It was so amazing. It was an answer to my question of whether or not I have His salvation. I wanted to know with no doubt in me. Here I am now I am His. Also as a result of being baptized by Christ my body also healed. It was good that I was afflicted. Glory be to our Lord and Savior.

[photoniccannon]

Mike, I just want you to know that your ministry has been HUGELY helpful to answering SO MANY questions that I've had. I've been dealing with a lot of questions and doubts about different doctrines that the Lord has been having to teach me about. I keep coming to conclusions after spending a lot of time in the word and in prayer and then feeling like I need confirmation, and then I turn on your videos and lately (almost without fail) you end up going through exactly the same things and even explaining the exact same thought processes the holy spirit has been leading me through. Whatever it is you are doing, the fruits of the spirit are very evident in your work and you've been a huge help to a lot of people. Thank you.

[Kofkfed]

Repent is believing because when you believe then you've repented from whatever you use to belief to believing on Christ. Pretty simple. It's easy to believe and it's easy to reject

[collegepennsylvania]

"Nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God." Romans 8:39
God's love for you is shown perfectly through Jesus' life and death! Just as you have been unconditionally loved so much, love others in that same way. Ask God to help you do everything out of love for Him and love for others. Hopefully this blessed you today. God bless you!

[stanjz]

Hello all. Thanks for the video Pastor Mike! I'm studying theology now(formally) though I've studied scripture for over three decades. One thing that seems to have been missed is that scholars widely hold that John was written with a focus on believers or Christians or people who have already repented. That's probably why he also focuses on false versions of the faith and bad doctrine rather than establishing Jesus' as Messiah. That's already assumed. God bless!

[s.i.williams]

Pastor Mike, I couldn't make the Live but so happy I still get to watch your videos after! I just love it when my question gets answered through someone else's question as it happened today on the question of "How to deal with a brother who offended you"! I recently advised someone on this and happy it was in line with what you suggested. Thank God for His wisdom. Thanks so much for your responses that bring clarity and peace into a situation of doubt. As you spoke about your other 500+ videos I smile to myself because the content is so good I find that I am constantly back and forth between staying up to date with current videos and catching up with past ones🤗 I am learning so much and studying the Bible much more because of your channel. Thanks so much for all your hard work and countless hours of studying. God bless you and keep you. 🙏❤