20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 80)

What is the abomination of desolation -

0:00 - Intro
1. 0:06 {What Will We Do With our Time in Heaven?} I've been feeling a little anxious about Heaven. What will we do with our time for eternity? Will we have actual bodies, or just be spirits?
2. 21:44 {About Prophecy & Marriage in Heaven} How will Isaiah 54:1 be fulfilled if there is no marriage in heaven?
3. 24:17 {About Following our Conscience} I Grew up in a KJVO (King James Version Only) Independent Fundamental Baptist church. I have thought about reading the NKJV, but my conscience feels like this is wrong. Does Romans 14 mean I must defer to my conscience in this situation?
4. 33:38 {When did the New Cov. Begin?} Did the New Covenant officially begin at Jesus’ last supper, death, burial, and resurrection…or at His ascension (alluded to in John 20: 17)?
5. 40:42 {Does God Get Angry When We Sin?} Does God ever get angry with believers when we sin? If not, why did God get so angry with the Israelites when they sinned?
6. 47:18 {Why are Tongues Only Prevalent in Some Denominations?} Why is speaking in tongues so common in specific church denominations, but virtually never happens in others? What does this say about other spiritual gifts?
7. 52:07 {Did Jesus Come to Abolish the Law?} Does Ephesians 2: 15 contradict Matthew 5: 17? In Matthew, Jesus says that He did not come to abolish the law, but it looks like Paul in Ephesians says the opposite.
8. 56:29 {About Gun Laws, Usage, & Violence} Which bible passages do you think should shape how we think about gun laws, gun violence, gun usage etc? Are there any passages that are misused in this debate?
9. 1:05:50 {Did People Evangelize in the OT?} Why wasn’t evangelism a focus in the Old Covenant? How were Gentiles far away from Israel supposed to learn about Yahweh, and what opportunities for salvation did they have?
10. 1:09:45 {Is “Inner Healing Prayer” Biblical?} Is “inner healing prayer” as a form of trauma relief biblical? This practice involves a prayer leader asking the patient to picture vivid images and hear direct statements from Jesus.
11. 1:13:22 {Are Only Jesus’ Words Authoritative?} Can we only use Jesus' words and not the rest of the Bible? Does Jesus teach against homosexuality? My friend claims that he isn't against it and she doesn't consider Paul's letters authoritative.
12. 1:18:52 {Can I Trust that my Faith is Sincere?} I sincerely believe Jesus is my Savior, but if my sincerity can’t be trusted (just like the rich young ruler’s), how can I truly 100% know that I actually do have a saving faith in Jesus Christ?
13. 1:22:20 {About Eschatology/The Second Coming} In Matthew 4: 42 Jesus warns believers to be ready for a second coming. Does this point to a partial rapture of only those actively practicing their faith, with others having to endure tribulation?
14. 1:25:41 {Is it Wrong to Handle Ungodly Items?} I work in a warehouse handling every item imaginable. How should I handle satanic/"magic" items? Should I refuse to handle such things?
15. 1:29:32 {About “Preferred Pronouns”} My niece wants to be male, but she was born female. She gets upset when she's not referred to her as male. I've been just avoiding any conversation at all with her, so as not to compromise. Any advice?
16. 1:34:20 {About Spiritual Death} Can you explain spiritual death as referenced in passages such as Colossians 2: 13, Ephesians 2 and 5: 18, and what part it plays in the process of salvation?
17. 1:37:02 {About Fossils, Evolution, & the Gap Theory} What are your thoughts regarding humanoid fossils which scientists claim are part our human evolution? Are they people from Noah’s time, offspring of angels, or part of the Gap Theory?
18. 1:45:11 {What is the True Mission of the Church?} What is the mission of the Church? I have recently been told that it is worship and not evangelism. Therefore, we cannot worship fully without a diverse local church. I'm a bit confused!
19. 1:50:21 {Examples of Faith-Driven Works} What counts as “works”? Since faith without works is dead, what are some examples of works that a woman can do? Please help!
20. 1:52:27 {What Should Godly Dating Look Like?}

[sarahfaith]

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:

0:00 - Intro
1. 0:06 {What Will We Do With our Time in Heaven?} I've been feeling a little anxious about Heaven. What will we do with our time for eternity? Will we have actual bodies, or just be spirits?
2. 21:44 {About Prophecy & Marriage in Heaven} How will Isaiah 54:1 be fulfilled if there is no marriage in heaven?
3. 24:17 {About Following our Conscience} I Grew up in a KJVO (King James Version Only) Independent Fundamental Baptist church. I have thought about reading the NKJV, but my conscience feels like this is wrong. Does Romans 14 mean I must defer to my conscience in this situation?
4. 33:38 {When did the New Cov. Begin?} Did the New Covenant officially begin at Jesus’ last supper, death, burial, and resurrection…or at His ascension (alluded to in John 20: 17)?
5. 40:42 {Does God Get Angry When We Sin?} Does God ever get angry with believers when we sin? If not, why did God get so angry with the Israelites when they sinned?
6. 47:18 {Why are Tongues Only Prevalent in Some Denominations?} Why is speaking in tongues so common in specific church denominations, but virtually never happens in others? What does this say about other spiritual gifts?
7. 52:07 {Did Jesus Come to Abolish the Law?} Does Ephesians 2: 15 contradict Matthew 5: 17? In Matthew, Jesus says that He did not come to abolish the law, but it looks like Paul in Ephesians says the opposite.
8. 56:29 {About Gun Laws, Usage, & Violence} Which bible passages do you think should shape how we think about gun laws, gun violence, gun usage etc? Are there any passages that are misused in this debate?
9. 1:05:50 {Did People Evangelize in the OT?} Why wasn’t evangelism a focus in the Old Covenant? How were Gentiles far away from Israel supposed to learn about Yahweh, and what opportunities for salvation did they have?
10. 1:09:45 {Is “Inner Healing Prayer” Biblical?} Is “inner healing prayer” as a form of trauma relief biblical? This practice involves a prayer leader asking the patient to picture vivid images and hear direct statements from Jesus.
11. 1:13:22 {Are Only Jesus’ Words Authoritative?} Can we only use Jesus' words and not the rest of the Bible? Does Jesus teach against homosexuality? My friend claims that he isn't against it and she doesn't consider Paul's letters authoritative.
12. 1:18:52 {Can I Trust that my Faith is Sincere?} I sincerely believe Jesus is my Savior, but if my sincerity can’t be trusted (just like the rich young ruler’s), how can I truly 100% know that I actually do have a saving faith in Jesus Christ?
13. 1:22:20 {About Eschatology/The Second Coming} In Matthew 24: 42 Jesus warns believers to be ready for a second coming. Does this point to a partial rapture of only those actively practicing their faith, with others having to endure tribulation?
14. 1:25:41 {Is it Wrong to Handle Ungodly Items?} I work in a warehouse handling every item imaginable. How should I handle satanic/"magic" items? Should I refuse to handle such things?
15. 1:29:32 {About “Preferred Pronouns”} My niece wants to be male, but she was born female. She gets upset when she's not referred to her as male. I've been just avoiding any conversation at all with her, so as not to compromise. Any advice?
16. 1:34:20 {About Spiritual Death} Can you explain spiritual death as referenced in passages such as Colossians 2: 13, Ephesians 2 and 5: 18, and what part it plays in the process of salvation?
17. 1:37:02 {About Fossils, Evolution, & the Gap Theory} What are your thoughts regarding humanoid fossils which scientists claim are part our human evolution? Are they people from Noah’s time, offspring of angels, or part of the Gap Theory?
18. 1:45:11 {What is the True Mission of the Church?} What is the mission of the Church? I have recently been told that it is worship and not evangelism. Therefore, we cannot worship fully without a diverse local church. I'm a bit confused!
19. 1:50:21 {Examples of Faith-Driven Works} What counts as “works”? Since faith without works is dead, what are some examples of works that a woman can do? Serving my family? prayer? going to church? please help!
20. 1:52:27 {What Should Godly Dating Look Like?} What should dating look like as a Christian adult? What should the purpose be?

[mikedunlock]

In answer to question 14: I used to work as a delivery driver for FEDEX. I once had a package to deliver to an abortion clinic. When I saw the box I moved it to the front of the truck and I prayed over it all day until I delivered the package. Maybe if you have to handle things that you know aren't godly use that instance to pray for the person that is going to receive it. But always trust and follow what the Holy Spirit is saying to you.

[shellyscholz]

I called a business who asked my name and how I would like to be addressed. So I gave my name and said I’d like to be addressed politely.

[randihubbard]

I love that you can say “I don’t know”. Much respect!

[colleentimeisup]

Hey Mike you may not see this but I really appreciate your hard work. Thank you and God bless

[stacyc]

Pastor Mike, I am so thankful for your God-given wisdom and logic. I have been a believer for 30 years, and you are one of the few young pastors that have such a gift for explaining and defending the Bible. I love watching your content - thank you for standing for the Truth.

[mikeflynn]

When I was 18 became Christian my mom watched TBN. My dad was full Catholic. He and I would talk all time of the Bible the confusion was in my mind led far away for trusting the Catholic Church. I just cry out everything would have been beautiful if we had teachings like yours to watch. You have blessed me so much just listening to the word. You explain in a great way biblically has it all Praise God Jesus Christ Lives!

[mysilverscreendiary]

When I was 5 years old, I had a very powerful detailed dream about standing with Jesus while the New Jerusalem coming down to earth. That Dream has stayed with me my entire life. When I hear those verses being read, 13:53 I think of that amazing dream 🙏

[johnniederreiter]

A suggestion for #14. My parents lived on a main thoroughway for several years. During the summer months biker gangs would parade up and down the road to intimidate the population. My mom was really bothered by this because it was quite disturbing. One day, she got the idea to say a prayer for the salvation of the bikers each time they passed by. Within weeks, the parades ended. #14 could use the oportunity to pray for those shipping and receiving the items in question, or even bless the items, that they may be used by God for his glory.

[moosechuckle]

Mike, I’ve been going back and listing/watching your videos from 3 and 4 years ago.
1: your calling and what you are doing here on YouTube is one of the greatest blessing in my Christian life. Taking questions from Christians and non, is no only challenging, but shows how dedicated, educated, and steadfast you are to your faith.
2: do you not age? I mean, you look like you’re the same age now as 5 years ago.

[LA_Broadcast]

On Q #14 I think the best advice one can give is start with prayer. Pray for God to give you wisdom AND pray over the items. Pray for the people who are getting the items. God may lead you away from that job, or he may have a use for you there. I hope you find peace and purpose brother. 🙏

[melissaconner]

My dad died 5 years ago and my mom died 9 months ago. They are with the Lord and this video gives me such peace and hope. Thank you for explaining Heaven to us, ! I'm so happy for my parents 💖 God bless you Mike . Thank you Jesus for an amazing eternity I look forward to with you.

[foreverbarbie]

Thanks for this explanation and reminder. My sister passed away a year ago and she loved Jesus with her whole heart. So I know she there this helped me today since she was on my mind.

[seanpermann]

On the topic of tongues, a church I attended kept pushing the youth to speak in tongues. They’d remove us from the rest of the congregation into another room for more privacy and it would continue to be “pushed” on us. I remember just faking it to get out of there. For years I doubted my salvation because that moment had me believing I had to be speaking in tongues.

[nadjaj]

Thanks, Pastor Mike. I loved how you worded this, when saying that by using wrong pronouns, i. e. "she" when talking about a male, you feel like you are being bullied into saying something that is potentially, or most definitely, harmful to others. This is exactly how I feel. Loved your answer and possible solution to this issue. I'm confronted with this so often and truly struggling, especially as in my line of work, as in many others, it is deemed so important to accept all this abomination.

God bless!

[ricothevampire]

My girlfriend and I were literally discussing the concept of heaven last night when we got the notification that you had uploaded this video. The timing was, interesting :D

[Notevenone]

Episode 80! Do you know Mike that is 1, 600 questions answered with biblical truth. I can only imagine the people that have been blessed by your ministry.

[gigahorse]

1:28:01 Here’s what I would do in this scenario… I would move the item even if I didn’t agree with it. But each time I saw a satanic or generally ungodly item I would pray that God uses even this ungodly item to help the person who bought it to come to realize it’s futility and harmfulness, then turn to Christ.

[selahr.]

For Dangeroso… I faced similar dilemas in the past. For me, the decision boiled down to what percentage of the items were occult, and was it a store that was putting spiritual attachments to those items (such as spells or pagan blessings) versus just selling these items as just another unimportant/neutral item number in a big inventory. So, I could work at a general big name bookstore that sold occult books and Tarot cards along with Bibles, cookbooks, music, videos, etc as just another object they could make a profit on, but I could not work at a small bookstore that specialized in occult, New Age, esoteric media as well as handmade/pre-blessed pagan items. Even in the first scenario there were certain occult things that I’m personally uncomfortable with and see as spiritually dangerous even for casual/curiosity-lead customers, like Tarot cards, so when I had to handle those I would say a quick prayer over the item (such as “Jesus, please break any spiritual attachments on this item and protect all who come into contact with it” as my own way of trying to do my job and live my faith without violating anyone’s freedom to be wherever they are on their own spiritual journey… because I trust God and know He will find a way to reveal Himself to anyone who seeks true faith/the true God. I also know many people explore paganism as they struggle to find real faith and eventually come to realize that’s a bad/dead-end/useless path or that Evil is real so Good must also exist and eventually turn to God/Jesus.

[CharlieKraken]

In regard to number 15, I lost the creative writing opportunity of a lifetime, on purpose, unprompted, because I made a (respectful and in love) statement saying that I refuse to use preferred pronouns that do not match reality. As in, I refused to refer to a man, who I had been friends with for years, but was not a believer, as though he were a woman.

He then fired me, cut off all contact with me, and evidently started referring to me as though I was this horrible person whom he was a fool for trusting. I have always been a bit of a firebrand I admit, but I do firmly believe that we should not compromise truth whatsoever. It does not matter if the person is not a believer, we should always walk in truth, and that involves not abiding by lies in any fashion. Furthermore, if I did not warn that person against their sinful lifestyle, his blood would be on my head. It is pure lunacy, this idea that men can decide to be women and vice versa, and we as Christians should play no part in it, and always speak out against it.

EDIT: Regarding avoiding using pronouns, that was the option I went with for a while, and it made me feel like utter garbage. I do not care that it is a touchy/inflammatory subject, I needed to make a stance against lies, and to skirt around truth simply did not seem right to me either. My ultimate commitment is to God, His design, His truth, which is absolute truth, not to the feelings of other human beings, especially when those feelings deny God's design.