20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 1)

Every Friday at 1pm PT!

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 Introduction
1. 0:47 Since there is no marriage in Heaven, are married couples going to be strangers in Heaven?
2. 5:11 If I’m not mistaken, you hold the view of conditional election, prevenient grace, and total depravity (though maybe not to the extent of the Calvinist). ​My question is, if Christ dies for all people and all sins, why does a sinner have to overcome the sin of unbelief on their own?
3. 8:38 A friend, at age 12, signed his soul over (in a blood pact) to Satan, in an at-home ceremony. He was a kid, but he now feels that he cannot be saved. Please comment on this deal with the Devil.
4. 10:01 What are your thoughts on Proverbs 16:4? Does that passage suggest that God created (perhaps predestined) the unsaved for judgment or condemnation?
5. 13:40 You inspire me to study my Bible verse-by-verse, but I don't know where to start! I was wondering what study resources you use or would recommend for someone not familiar with the original languages.
6. 18:16 How should I speak to someone who is going to die because of cancer, while another Christian got her hopes up that her cancer wouldn't return, claiming that "God said" it wouldn't? And how should I speak about evil & suffering to her?
7. 22:31 You mentioned, in Part 2 of your Mark series, that John the Baptist was the one setting the way for the Lord (Yahweh). Why, then, did you use the word "Yahweh", when Logos displays the Hebrew word there as "kyrios"?
8. 24:32 Verses like Jeremiah 29: 11 are quoted a lot to us, and I get confused while trying to understand whether God was speaking only to a group of people back then specifically, or whether we can still apply those verses to us personally today.
9. 28:18 I go to a liberal Christian university, and the Bible teaching here is untrue. Scripture and the Gospel are undermined consistently. How do I properly address these issues in my Bible class?
10. 30:40 Why does Paul teach that we are saved by faith alone and not by works, but Jesus teaches that works (like obeying the commandments) are necessary to get into the Kingdom of God?
11. 32:06 How does Matthew 28: 18-20 apply to each individual Christian, and how does one make a disciple? Is it just evangelism and baptism of a lost person, or is it overseeing their growth?
12. 35:28 Could you please share your testimony, and the struggles you may have had as a new believer?
13. 36:57 It is said that Jacob fought against God in Scripture, but the text refers to a fight with an angel...Is God the Angel of the Lord?
14. 39:20 Can someone who commits suicide go to Heaven? I’ve heard it argued that if they were true believers who just happened to commit that act in a moment of weakness/confusion, they are still saved. Is that biblical?
15. 42:53 I don't understand the biblical idea of "the elect"...Does that mean some people cannot be saved, no matter what?
16. 44:06 My husband grew up Catholic, and his family keeps telling us we "aren't really married" because we were not married by the Catholic Church. How can we lovingly respond to them with biblical truth?
17. 46:31 What if someone gets an unbiblical divorce, but their ex-spouse is already remarried, making reconciliation impossible? Are they free to remarry?
18. 47:41 I have a question about 1 Timothy 2: 12-15...Due to the text, does this make co-ed bible studies unbiblical? what about women's ministry?
19. 50:50 How do I address a lack of plurality in leadership? We have one pastor who teaches every sermon & every class, and no elders. How do I bring up this issue with the church, when we're relying too much on one person?
20. 53:11 Why do we, as Christians, not keep the Sabbath, even though it is part of the moral law? It is written by the finger of God in stone, not just spoken to Moses like the Mosaic Law. Shouldn't we keep it?
21. 1:01:05 In 1 Samuel 28, Saul talks to Samuel and asks for his help. I think it's sinful to pray to the dead, but am I right in thinking this? Catholics pray to Mary and other saints, too. Is that biblical?

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[sarahfaith]

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 Introduction
1. 0:47 Since there is no marriage in Heaven, are married couples going to be strangers in Heaven?
2. 5:11 If I’m not mistaken, you hold the view of conditional election, prevenient grace, and total depravity (though maybe not to the extent of the Calvinist). ​My question is, if Christ dies for all people and all sins, why does a sinner have to overcome the sin of unbelief on their own?
3. 8:38 A friend, at age 12, signed his soul over (in a blood pact) to Satan, in an at-home ceremony. He was a kid, but he now feels that he cannot be saved. Please comment on this deal with the Devil.
4. 10:01 What are your thoughts on Proverbs 16:4? Does that passage suggest that God created (perhaps predestined) the unsaved for judgment or condemnation?
5. 13:40 You inspire me to study my Bible verse-by-verse, but I don't know where to start! I was wondering what study resources you use or would recommend for someone not familiar with the original languages.
6. 18:16 How should I speak to someone who is going to die because of cancer, while another Christian got her hopes up that her cancer wouldn't return, claiming that "God said" it wouldn't? And how should I speak about evil & suffering to her?
7. 22:31 You mentioned, in Part 2 of your Mark series, that John the Baptist was the one setting the way for the Lord (Yahweh). Why, then, did you use the word "Yahweh", when Logos displays the Hebrew word there as "kyrios"?
8. 24:32 Verses like Jeremiah 29: 11 are quoted a lot to us, and I get confused while trying to understand whether God was speaking only to a group of people back then specifically, or whether we can still apply those verses to us personally today.
9. 28:18 I go to a liberal Christian university, and the Bible teaching here is untrue. Scripture and the Gospel are undermined consistently. How do I properly address these issues in my Bible class?
10. 30:40 Why does Paul teach that we are saved by faith alone and not by works, but Jesus teaches that works (like obeying the commandments) are necessary to get into the Kingdom of God?
11. 32:06 How does Matthew 28: 18-20 apply to each individual Christian, and how does one make a disciple? Is it just evangelism and baptism of a lost person, or is it overseeing their growth?
12. 35:28 Could you please share your testimony, and the struggles you may have had as a new believer?
13. 36:57 It is said that Jacob fought against God in Scripture, but the text refers to a fight with an angel...Is God the Angel of the Lord?
14. 39:20 Can someone who commits suicide go to Heaven? I’ve heard it argued that if they were true believers who just happened to commit that act in a moment of weakness/confusion, they are still saved. Is that biblical?
15. 42:53 I don't understand the biblical idea of "the elect"...Does that mean some people cannot be saved, no matter what?
16. 44:06 My husband grew up Catholic, and his family keeps telling us we "aren't really married" because we were not married by the Catholic Church. How can we lovingly respond to them with biblical truth?
17. 46:31 What if someone gets an unbiblical divorce, but their ex-spouse is already remarried, making reconciliation impossible? Are they free to remarry?
18. 47:41 I have a question about 1 Timothy 2: 12-15...Due to the text, does this make co-ed bible studies unbiblical? what about women's ministry?
19. 50:50 How do I address a lack of plurality in leadership? We have one pastor who teaches every sermon & every class, and no elders. How do I bring up this issue with the church, when we're relying too much on one person?
20. 53:11 Why do we, as Christians, not keep the Sabbath, even though it is part of the moral law? It is written by the finger of God in stone, not just spoken to Moses like the Mosaic Law. Shouldn't we keep it?
21. 1:01:05 In 1 Samuel 28, Saul talks to Samuel and asks for his help. I think it's sinful to pray to the dead, but am I right in thinking this? Catholics pray to Mary and other saints, too. Is that biblical?

[stephaniemortonHim]

Yes, Jesus is the solution to this problem

[hannahbaker]

I like this short and thought provoking questionnaire. Just a quick note about the student in the liberal Christian university, while I see your points Mike, the first thing that came to mind was Dietrich Bonhoffer. He came to a saving grace during his schooling and once saved he didn't sit by while God's Word was handled falsely, but rather he stood up for truth every chance he had with grace and thoughtfulness. Asking questions to get the others to search God's Word for the truth. So there certainly are instances where speaking up is what God is leading you to do, so perhaps this guy also has a similar calling from the Lord, so I would advise to pray about it, because that could very well be what the Lord is leading him to do. Your heart to teach is very edifying, much love.

[nicki]

Thanks, Mike. I also became a Christian at 12 and ended up going to church by myself 🙂

[TherealJoshuaAdamu]

I’m here post women in ministry( well not completely pastor Mike has been really busy) I don’t know if you’ll every see this but I’m so grateful for the level of thought, care and time that you put into making your content for believers. I have been deeply impacted by your teaching( not in a sense where I blindly follow but rather I find my self agreeing with the application of how you view scripture). Thank you so much for your obedience to Gods calling for your life and I can’t wait to meet you in eternity❤

[karricompton]

Thank you, Mike, for your wisdom and humility. Many with your extent of knowledge are a little high and mighty, but I appreciate your humility and teachability.

[stephaniemortonHim]

Yes .... Purchased by that precious blood of Christ!!!

[tobynobel]

That was a great description of "will we know each other in heaven." I've always been given the generic, almost Sunday school level answer of "well, we'll basically just be brothers and sisters with no memory. And I tell you, the selfish human side of me always said "well I don't want to just be random people walking around like casual acquaintances at the most. I want my family to be my family, I want my wife to be my wife, and my kids, be my kids. There is nobody (on earth) that I love more than my wife and kids, and I don't want to give them up to be random passers-by throughout eternity. But this is a good way to explain that we'll be closer...another question though... if there is a new Jerusalem, new heaven and earth etc. Will we have "homes" to live in? I know we won't need things like rest and such, but will we always be on the move, or in some kind of communal living situation?

[gavinshineon]

My only son committed suicide last year 2 months before he graduated high school. I’m so glad this question was asked. I am struggling to deal with this and carry on. Once I came out of the fog, I constantly ask the question of “How could you leave me?” God is real and I’ve had many God moments that bring me peace when I feel like I’m going to implode.

[christianbodyimprovementcl]

In my experience with depression, I definitely experience that narcissism. Like “You wouldn’t understand what I’m going through.” Thinking that no one cares about you like it’s almost a badge of honor... somehow. When I come to the realization that I’m just being over dramatic, I push against it. Like I could choose whether or not to be depressed at that point but I choose sadness because it feels good to be a victim.

[emsdiy]

My husband has to pray for me alot to help me so, Remember pray over people outloud it is very important and makes a big difference

[nfntelove]

Well this actually helps me with my testimony, because I do love my family and understand where everyone fell short, and I also wondered of the impact my family would endure from my testimony. Thanks mike

[GratiaPrima_]

8:40 (from a catholic) yes, and amen! That’s what Jesus died for and does for us! He bought us back.

[defiance]

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

[LuisRamirez-bymn]

BROTHER MIKE, THANKS FOR THE LAUGHS, LESSONS AND ENCOURAGEMENT. GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER!

[jessetilley]

The NET Bible with its notes are great I recommend it highly glad to hear you mention it Mike👍

[DarkKnightofThrones]

I want to talk to David, Solomon, Abraham, Samson, Samuel...oh, the list goes on and on...but I think I'll be waiting in line for a while. =) All good though, we have eternity.

[shawnmoling]

Thank you so much for this video. I just found out that my father is terminally ill with cancer, and it is great to know that his memories of his time on Earth will still be with him. I am also encouraged to hear that our relationships as a family will be stronger and better when we are together in Heaven. Thanks again for your ministry.

[jeffreylardizabal]

Jesus was real specific in Matthew 8's answer to the Centurion's question:
"10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven."

So, YES, we are going to specifically know each other and others.

[susanbibby]

Thank you Mike for Godly Wisdom. May God continue to Bless you in your ministry.