20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 35)

[@sarahfaith316]

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Introduction 1. 1:13 {Adam Buried Beneath where Jesus Crucified?} I heard on a program by the National Geographic that there’s a belief out there that Adam was buried beneath where Jesus was crucified. They say when Jesus died, His blood flowed down into the ground and through some cracks inside a tomb where Adam was buried, and Adam was resurrected from that. I am trying to find out where this belief even started, why it was started, and if there is any Biblical or Historical evidence to suggest that this ever happened. Have you ever heard of this, and do you know of any resources on this subject that might help me? 2. 6:04 {About Bribery in the book of Proverbs} Can you please help me and my friend understand Proverbs 21: 14 about bribery? We read the references below the verse but still find it hard to understand. 3. 10:15 {Should I Attend a Calvinist Church?} The church that I currently attend is in search of a new pastor, and the one that will be voted in is a Calvinist. I don't agree with Calvinism and question if I can submit to his authority/teaching. What do I do? Stay? Go? I don't want to be divisive but want to stand on God's truth in love. 4. 14:09 {Faith vs. Works Contradiction?} I’m confused on two verses, Romans 4:3 and James 2: 21. I don’t believe the Bible has any contradictions, can you please clear up my confusion on this? 5. 22:51 {Is God Faithful when We’re Faithless?} Is 2 Timothy 2: 13 saying God is faithful to us, or to Himself? I hear people thanking God that when we are faithless, He is faithful to us, but it seems to read the opposite. 6. 25:26 {About God’s Will in our Lives} How do I know if I am living in the will of God for my life? Do wrong choices mean we have messed up Gods plan and we’re now living plan B? 7. 29:32 {About the Age of Accountability} Does Numbers 14: 29 give us any biblical reason to believe the age of accountability to be 20? In Numbers 14: 18-19 Moses pleads with God, and God pardons the sins of the children 19 and younger. 8. 34:40 {About the Wedding Feast/Garments} The man who was at the wedding feast without a wedding garment in Matthew 22: 11, is he like what would called a nominal Christian? 9. 41:48 {About Cohabitation Before Marriage} What Scripture shows that 2 heterosexual Christians who love each other and intend to marry can’t cohabitate if they are celibate? 10. 46:18 {How to Honor an Abusive Parent} My father was physically and mentally abusive when I was a child. Can I stop talking to him and still be honoring him? 11. 49:19 {About Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia} What are your thoughts about assisted suicide and euthanasia? 12. 52:55 {Is the Holy Spirit Jesus’ Father?} Might be a dumb question but if the Holy Spirit came upon Mary so that Jesus could be born, wouldn't that make the Holy Spirit Jesus' father? 13. 54:59 {About “Pascal’s Wager”} What is Pascal’s Wager, and do you believe that it has been refuted? 14. 59:10 {About Revelation - New Names/White Stones} What is the "new name" in Revelation 2: 17? Is it the individual's new name that receives the white stone, or is it Jesus' new name? 15. 1:01:28 {Should Pro-Life = Immigration Support?} Do you think that being pro-life means that I should also support immigration/refugee resettlement due to the pro-life belief that children should be taken care of regardless of circumstances? 16. 1:04:40 {Can a False Teacher Cast Out Demons?} What is the deeper meaning of Matthew 12:22-28? I’m a little confused. Can a false teacher cast out demons? If so, wouldn't that be a kingdom that is divided against itself? 17. 1:09:20 {Defense of the Trinity} Hi Mike! I fully believe in the Trinity due to ALL of Scripture. But 1 Corinthians 8:6 is a bit problematic and seems Unitarian. What do you make of it? 18. 1:13:20 {Should our Shortcomings Discourage our Callings?} I believe I am called to be a pastor, but I have sin & inconsistencies in my life. Do you think this could mean I’m not called, or do I just need to work on these things before being used in that area? 19. 1:14:24 {About our Prayers and Troubling Thoughts} When does God hear my prayers? I am asking you this because my thoughts are barely controllable nowadays, and those thoughts are causing me to pray very weird things and think about things I don’t want to think about. 20. 1:19:09 {Infinite Universes?} Is the theory of an infinite amount of universes biblical or unbiblical?

[@jgvtc559]

Not a single reply sis that had to hurt take it to the Lord start fasting and prayer and see how quickly you never come untk a false teacher again but to rebuke them and bounce Save those from the fire hating even the garment spotted by the flesh ie men's teaching

[@Jesus_is_Lord-]

Thanks for the timestamps!

[@jeremysteinwand6804]

@@jgvtc559 what exactly are you trying to say?

[@gavin_hill]

@@jeremysteinwand6804 😂

[@clpruett87]

Alright, Mike. Here are some things I'd really like to see from you: a video on fasting and praying, a video on the spiritual gifts, and a video on your opinion of Altiyan Childs' video of Freemasonry being Satanism in disguise

[@yeraldywilson6042]

When Pastor Mike makes you a bible geek and you can't help but get deep into scripture! Thank for your hard work Pastor Mike for being my new Netflix lol

[@stephenthompson9722]

I am believing that it's God's spirit that makes you dive into his word but Mike certainly helps us dive into the Bible

[@yeraldywilson6042]

@@stephenthompson9722 I definitely agree with you there!

[@robertelee467]

I am in full agreement! You want somebody to speak to you straight, and honest; but with good intent and good intentions. Pastor Mike does every bit of that… And more! Again, I agree with you completely.

[@lorilynnrieseberg7316]

Me2 😃🤣🌸💕Lala

[@ChristcentredNaturalgee]

Amen

[@cynthiaharris5736]

Question number 11, in 2011 my late husband died he had three cancers in six years. The last five months of his life he had asked me so many times to help him die. I struggled with it but I didn’t do it. After his death I felt so guilty for not helping him, but praise the Lord I know that I made the right choice. My husband was saved a month before he died and spent the last month of his life so close to God. It was the hardest choice I’d ever made in my life not to help him die. I often pray for people in this situation because it is so painful

[@72586jejones]

God bless you. Feel no guilt! You will see your husband in heaven one day. What a reward for your faithfulness in such a hard decision.

[@JillCee]

I am so sorry you went through that, but praise God you stood firm. As hard as all that was, I am so glad you will spend eternity with him. (I know we aren’t married in heaven, but because of how much you loved your husband.)

[@krista1018]

“Never lower your calling to match your compromises. Get rid of your compromises and serve the Lord.” LETS GOOOOOOOO MIKE!

[@ahmadharris8330]

That's a bar 🔥🔥🔥👌🏿🙏🏿💯🙌🏿

[@elizabethshaw7472]

Question 4: I don't remember who told me this, but it really helped me. "Good works don't get you into Heaven. Good works help convince your loved ones that Heaven's worth getting in to."

[@moebiusandtheironhide6399]

“Never lower your calling to match your compromises.” Someone put that on a motivational poster with a sunset, or a cat doing pull ups. That word was 🔥🔥🔥

[@tinah9059]

A cat doing pull ups in front of a sunset! I really loved that quote, too.

[@bluelights23]

@@tinah9059 I like both lol 😆

[@Perririri]

🕉🕉🕉

[@krustysurfer]

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@gigahorse1475]

I love Mike’s answer to #19. Lots of Christians struggle with not only sinful thoughts, but also intrusive thoughts. The harder you try to stop the thoughts, the more they come! The trick is to remove the anxiety. Know God understands your heart.

[@robinette64]

“Never lower your calling to suit your compromises”. ❤️🙌🏼. Amen!

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

The "Fine Tuning" argument is my personal favorite argument for God's existence just because it's so cool that it's real 🙂 Also, there was a semester in college where a classmate went from atheist to theist based on that evidence. It's just so bonkers that the numbers are so so so perfect in the universe.

[@GracefulAnswers]

That and the moral arguments are my favorite. Everyone has a sense of right and wrong- only came from God! ❤

[@lynnskelton7971]

I love the fact that you don’t just answer questions about the scripture being asked about BUT RATHER you go to and read the scripture in full to obtain context prior to answering.

[@kevinmiddleton8721]

Mike, you are a relatively young man, but you are very wise, and I am greatly blessed by your ministry here on KZbin. Thank you so much for your faithfulness to Christ, and your hard work to put out these videos. God bless you!

[@maryguillory2187]

Question 11 (49:19) I am so glad that you talked about pulling the plug. I just ended life support for my 4 month old in February. She had coded 4 times, and though I clearly heard God tell me to release her, I have dealt with so much guilt over the past few months.

[@mamuklutze6474]

Oh Mary I am so sorry for your loss... sorry it is a year later that I am watching this but your comment tugged at my heart. I pray that God continues to mend your broken heart🙏🏽❤️

[@AmeeraG242]

God always shows up when we seek I see it time and time again. And personally in my own life God's amazing

[@disaj7460]

Truly, Sis! HalleluYah!! 🕊🎉🛐

[@lrmiller4408]

God is always there. Hes omnipresent

[@AmeeraG242]

@@lrmiller4408 yes but he reveals himself to those who earnestly seek him is what I ment But I definitely agree with you

[@jacobhargiss9909]

God is great. And God is good. Amen.

[@erhon5]

If we knew where Adam had been buried wouldn’t that location have been camouflaged or probably lost during the flood?

[@awesomefacepalm]

I'd guess they would've brought his bones with them in the ark and buried him again after the flood. But yeah we don't know anything about that

[@lrmiller4408]

Yes

[@megofiachra3247]

Good point!

[@sunnyjohnson992]

After 930 years, Adam returned to the ground from which he was taken in the year 3096 B.C.E. just as God had said. His remains were long gone by the time Jesus came to the earth.

[@lionoffireministries]

I hope this blesses some... 🙏 I was 5 years of chronic illness! I was Semi Housebound, lost my health, job, finances and my fiance left me. I couldn't even look at electronic screen for 5 minutes, or hold a 10-minute conversation. But God did an amazing work. I now have a Christian Channel where I encourage people and show them what God did in my life and that there is hope for you also. ✝️🔥😊 *Keep believing even when it's hard* 🙏❤️🔥 *All things are possible with God*

[@chriper77]

Such great questions and answers. I'm learning so much even though I've been a Christian for 20+ years. Plus I've laughed out loud 3 times so far (and I'm only 46 minutes in). I never usually laugh out loud when I'm watching stuff by myself.

[@mamuklutze6474]

Me too!! Actually I go on walks while listening to Pastor Mike and I stop sometimes to lol. It's crazy!! May God continue to bless pastor Mike with His wisdom and give him the health and strength to do all the work that is put into his ministry 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@gayle.catgrim4640]

You have no idea what you did for me tonight. My entire life has been a horrible painful, physical and emotional nightmare and at 63yo its all I can do to keep my mind from destroying me. I have been a child of YEHOVAH since I was very small and I know that's the only reason I have literally survived death so many times it stuns me that's how bad it's been. I am on the autism spectrum so it's not like I can be around people to help and guide me but your advice on my ability to choose what I can think and reject the thought that leaves me in tears ( why couldn't I get away when I had the chance, why did I do nothing and let them get away with it, I am shamed by my children going through hell with me. Etc etc) and so often I'm in agony telling YEHOVAH (I don't know the words or what to pray for I'm so confused) . Now that I know that I can just cry out to YEHOVAH and groan and cry out to him my thoughts being so painful that no words can explain and that no matter because when I cry out to YEHOVAH now I know those quiet emotionally painfully feeling will not require words and that truly all the years I have cried out groaning in desperation and pain YEHOVAH hads always heard me. My brother because of your wise words at a time where severe chronic pain leaves me so exhausted along with PTSD trauma night terrors and isolation have drug me down now I feel lifted up. I can talk to Father YEHOVAH knowing that He knows me He understands everything about me so I can breathe easy and let Him sooth my soul as I bear myself to Him from now on.I just saw one of your videos yesterday and now for the first time in a long time I feel like I am finally home May YEHOVAH bless you and your family so that you can keep us closer to understanding more about our Abba YEHOVAH. Thank you for having the courage to be brave enough to tell the truth about YEHOVAH and YESHUAs word rather than lie to us and pervert the bible as soooo many so called teachers of YEHOVAH s words do EVERY DAY misleading and causing soooo many to loose their souls. May YEHOVAH bless everyone here now and in the future, I love you all Yes I do very dearly believe that YESHUA YEHOVAH s Son is our savior and Redeemer ❤️🕎🔯🙏🙏🙏🔯🕎❤️

[@carly7693]

This is the first time I ever really understood the main point of the book of James. Thank you for your thoughtful and excellent explanation. God Bless.

[@Captain-Awesome]

If you really want to see something cool. Check out his break down of Mark. It’s a 60 episode behemoth.

[@deborahjames3113]

Wow...assisting life vs assisting suicide. I never thought of it that way. That makes a huge difference in the dilemma to me now. My heart goes out to those that have to make that choice. Thank you!

[@amyreid8971]

I left my Assembly of God church for my now Orthodox Church and have never looked back. So for me, “divorcing” the Protestant way of thinking have saved me.

[@nerygomez902]

Anything to learn about Jesus Christ. The beginning was just right!

[@BeRitCrunk]

Thumbs up for faith v works. One of the most straight forward distinctions that has articulated for me that sense of the way things were but haven't been able to elucidate on my own. Thanks, Mike, and thanks and glory to the one who sent you!

[@stayraddad4638]

Nat Geo was “click bait” before it was a thing . I wouldn’t trust much that Nat Geo says about anything

[@nathanp5711]

Yeah, it leans towards sensational content.

[@bufficliff8978]

This is my favorite

[@ddt0889]

As with most things, it was better pre-Disney era.

[@thestraightroad305]

Boy that’s for sure. Like ancient Aliens.

[@megofiachra3247]

It’s fallen far from what it used to be. But then, I don’t know if it was ever friendly towards the Church.

[@captainobvious8665]

As a Calvanist, we'd love to have you or any Arminian believer. I'm glad you feel the same way. Our teaching on it is firm because we think it is clear in scripture and that to deny it leaves room for self-boasting instead of reserving all boasting to that in the Lord. On another episode of 20 questions you answered a question about denominational or individual restrictions on teaching. The gist of your response is that all pastors should be free to teach as they believe on anything but primary matters. I think that has the real potential for the formation of sects and confusion. Our church wouldn't allow someone to rob the glory due God for single-handedly changing the blind hearts of those dead in sin and causing them to be born again. Also, knowing that Jesus was thinking about specific individuals (like me) when he was agonizing on the Cross has significantly influenced my love for Him. Doesn't the man who choses Jesus have room to boast over his neighbor who did not? These scriptural images all insinuate that this is not merely a decision but an act of God impossible for people to do on their own. I also see no way to explain John 6, Jacob vs. Esau and many others passages from Arminianism. I also see a related, apparent contradiction in your teaching. You've said homosexual proclivities aren't sin because you cannot change your desires. Why the command to not covet, an illicit desire for that which doesn't belong to you? How about same-sex lusting? Jesus made it clear that the sexual desire for a woman who is not your wife violates the command against the prohibited act. Also how can you change your desire from not loving Jesus to loving Him? I believe that desires can be changed once the Spirit monergistically first sets our primary affections on Jesus. Practically this works by exposing oneself to the glories of Jesus found in all the various means of grace: prayer, fasting, reading scripture, sitting under expositional preaching, fellowshipping with others of His, communing with Him through labor and sufferring for His sake, etc. This naturally causes us to love Him more and the contrasting bitterness of sin to be more obvious. If you were to respond, I'm sure I'd learn much. You have changed my mind multiple times with your clear biblical teaching. I thank God for you, a gift to His called-out ones. May He bless you, keep you and make His face shine upon you, May He be gracious to you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

[@JayNDez22]

Lord Yahweh thank You so much for showing me the Way! And introducing me to Pastor Mike! please forgive me as I stumble, and stumble and stumble some more cuz I am just a baby.... An ignorant Lil baby but I love You so much, My Lord, and Heavenly Father and I am trying so incredibly hard to do better and be as much like You as I can possibly be!! Please help me to become stronger and more courageous in You Lord and willing to stand firm in my convictions even when it feels like I am standing all alone. I am so incredibly sorry I'm always sorry... I don't want to be sorry anymore I want to be Your Warrior!! Not a worrier.... Please Lord help me be strong!! I need You so much!! I am nothing without You!!! Nothing!!!!!

[@bluecurtains6899]

Lol at first at 0:04 I thought he was going to say “oh didn’t see you guys over there.”lol

[@htebazileeilsel2293]

Haha! Me too!

[@karricompton]

I’ve studied James before, but haven’t heard the works/faith idea exactly the way you explained it. Wonderful! I will be sharing that with others.

[@TheTinkerersWife]

Boy, never lower your calling to match your compromises is a great word for all of us called to serve Christ.

[@elijahhernandez3934]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."

[@joshuavarner8554]

The question about thoughts, I understand what he is talking about I think. There was a time when I first came to Christ Jesus in faith as an adult, and my thoughts would scare me at times. What I mean is thoughts would come in to my mind that were contrary to my faith in Jesus. Thoughts of blasphemy, and uncontrollable cursing in my mind that were not from my heart but we're almost as if the thoughts were put in my head to create doubt. My friend, this is war and your flesh is resisting the Holy Spirit and the devil does this to get you to doubt your salvation. I would every time a bad thought would come into my mind I would say in my mind " I love the LORD Jesus Christ" and I would pray with sorrow in my heart and ask God to guard my mind and I think that this backfired on Satan and strengthened my faith and my relationship with God. I know it's hard but with great victory comes great suffering. Don't give up and don't fear, God loves you and is never going to reject you for fighting the war of the mind. Hope this helps, I will remember you in my prayers

[@sueweddell9143]

I just found you due to Dallas Jenkins suggestion! So glad I did! Thank you for sharing God’s Truth!

[@chriper77]

Sweet, where did Dallas recommend Mike?

[@kimwarfield1587]

I had that pascal discussion with my friend. I told him to look at how happy I am, never depressed, never unhappy and always pleasant. Wouldn't he rather live like I do than the way he lives. He shook his head and said, "the way you do." I said, "well there is your answer." You live a much better life as a real Christian and you can live in heaven by believing than not. "

[@christinebarnes899]

Any burial site for Adam would have been destroyed in the cataclysmic upheavals of Noah's flood...

[@Captain-Awesome]

That’s a very good point!! Well done

[@kidgrebo1]

@Christine Barnes The flood never happened

[@christinebarnes899]

@@kidgrebo1 How do you explain millions of dead things laid down in rock layers all over the face of the earth, even on mountain tops?? Creatures that died suddenly and violently?

[@peterfox7663]

Perhaps the bones of Adam were saved. Not saying that's what happened, I highly doubt it.

[@kidgrebo1]

@@christinebarnes899 Ancient civilizations that existed during the supposed flood never mentioned a world wide flood.

[@wmarkfish]

One can honor their parents by rising above their parents moral failings.

[@jilltilghman3027]

Thank you so very much for all your teachings, especially Q&A"s. I look forward to everyone. You teach total truth and I appreciate your humbleness. When you do not know something you just say you do not know. Again, thank you so very much for your time, study and knowledge.

[@debbiegagne4593]

Your response to question 8 was perfect!! Thanks so much for explaining this...you have a gift in helping others understand the meaning of scriptures.. God bless!

[@danielasmale8835]

What a great conversation. I really enjoyed the variety of questions and the sound answers.

[@malvethmalone5277]

Thank you pastor Mike, for answering the question about God plan for that sis life. I must say that I was struggling with the same question about how I know that I am living in God plan. I am so happy to hear that even though I read Roman's 8 and Ephesians 2 but i still was struggling. So I thank you for clearing up that. God bless you.

[@lonia.5283]

May God bless you Pastor Mike, for in Jesus Christ's Name I ask and pray. Amen ❤🌹❤

[@dustin4811]

Thanks for all your hard work Mike!! Love you brother 😊

[@Cmbtvtrn05]

Edifying, thank you brother Mike. God bless

[@rebacrow5604]

I love u Brother Mike. U have so much love. And wisdom

[@mvmv9205]

God bless you, Mike. You are a true follower of Christ and thanks to you and your teachings i learned a LOT about my religion. Thank God for you and your knowledge, brother Mike. I love you, brother. Thanks once again and may our Lord and Saviour protect you and your loved ones.

[@Medic545]

“Never lower your calling to match your compromises.” So good pastor Mike.

[@stephenbailey9969]

It's because of the brokenness of sin that we can say one thing and do another. Our being is dis-integrated into conflicted parts: our thoughts, words, feelings, intentions, actions, etc. The child of God's new birth by the Holy Spirit is a healing, a miraculous work to re-integrate us so that all is one in Christ. As both Paul and James wrote, it is an ongoing work while we remain in this flesh (e.g., the joining of faith and action), but we are ultimately predestined to be conformed to the perfect image of Christ.

[@michaelnelson1270]

Christian here, chastely cohabiting. Both disabled, both over 60. Cannot marry because to do so would be economic suicide due to SSI rules. Would gladly make economic sacrifice to marry the woman I love, but this would put us out on the street. I agree with your view in the general case. But we need to be together, not least so we can advocate for each other and gain a measure of protection from the neglect and abuse that are the all to frequent lot of disabled people who depend on medicaid. At our age, chastity requires the grace of God, but is not so difficult than if we were younger.

[@nl2766]

Paul implies not to cohabitate: First Corinthians 7:8-9 says, “Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion

[@lancewren6870]

One thing I'd add to Mike's answer on question 19: In addition to counseling I've experienced the most victory over intrusive thoughts by dealing with them from a paradigm of spiritual warfare. Its way too much to talk about in just a KZbin comment, but The books Victory over the Darkness and Winning the Battle Within by Neil T. Anderson have been very helpful on the subject for me. The main focus of the books is learning to fully embrace your identity in Christ and how to wage spiritual war from that foundation.

[@jameswoodard4304]

#5. I take that verse to be of similar meaning to "Let God be true, and every man a liar." Above all, God must be true to Himself.

[@NewCreationInChrist896]

If you love God you will obey Him not to get saved but because you love Him and “It Is FINISHED” Glory! Ephesians 2:8-10 👑 “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life”

[@KepiGal]

My mother was extremely physically, mentally and emotionally abusive to me as a teenager. (My parents were divorced). I used to run away a lot because of its severity. Many years later I asked my dad, who was a Christian, how I was supposed to honor my mother in light of what she had done. He said "Don't speak ill of her". In my case, he was right. When I would talk bad about her it the aftermath of the abuse would rear its ugly head and I would become depressed or act out in bad ways. When I stopped talking about her to anyone who would listen, about how evil she was, I felt better. That does not mean I didn't talk about her in counseling. But not talking about her evil helped me to "honor" her. I don't know if this makes sense to you but it did to me.

[@DonnaDiane74]

So many helpful nuggets. I often struggle with the notion of not being able to control random thoughts that come into my head or Impressions that you get just from stimuli that you pick up in the world. If you see an attractive person or you hear a word or you see something on TV and something comes in your head and you're like no I don't want that and then you wonder like geez am I bad for that but it is The Human Condition.

[@BonBonHassan]

#6 is a big struggle I've had as well, thinking if I screwed up then I would forever face the consequences of my mistakes

[@louiebryllnillusguin]

Thank you so much Pastor Mike. .😊😊😊 It is a blessing to me. . 😊

[@AnHebrewChild]

53:50 MAT10 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

[@LCP_452]

Yes!!!!! About the groans!!! It is so true and extremely beautiful when you realize that HE understands. I have given this advice before. I wasn't sure if it was good advice..

[@fmpairsoft9039]

My number one favorite channel for apologetics.

[@victor_302]

Mike: … I’m Mike & you’re you- Me: I see no wrong here! 😆

[@MsJanet1024]

Hi Mike, I love your page and I am always sharing your links to my friends and family in Panama, city Panama. Some of my friends had asked if you ever going to have your studies in Spanish? So much wisdom and teaching on hold here. I will continue praying for you to be able to translate to Spanish some of your studies. Especially the Book of Mark, Jesus in the Old Testaments and sooo many more. God Bless you!

[@midnightwatchman1]

with the assisted death issue I have the same opinion as you. if the person is being artificially kept alive with little chance of recovery. I think the technology is there to give the person a chance to recover or for God to do a miracle but at some point, we need to turn off the technology let the person go. deliberately killing someone is a different thing although the person may be suffering or lost the desire to live they are meant to fight on. remember how Elijah asks God to kill him and God basically ignores him and told him to get over himself

[@scottyfleming2203]

I know this video was a long time ago. But I would like to point out that there’s a side message in this as well and I think it’s that we need to pay attention to what our hearts are guiding us to do in secret. When no one else is watching or when no one else cares or when it doesn’t affect how other people think of us. It is better to bless someone with a pure heart for pure reasons than to try to bribe someone for your own well-being. I think there’s another message with this proverb. I hope someone reads it and it helps. Another great video mike!! Thank you

[@victoriasweat4982]

Love your content Mike! Need to catch up your videos! Maybe do a series on the family. Scripture that pertains to families specifically, parents, children etc. Im a stay at home mom!

[@bradleylarkin9696]

In the question of pulling the plug, I absolutely agree with you here Mike. I do think it should be done with prayer and a slow consideration for sure tho. Here is kinda my thoughts on why here: Imagine science progressing far enough where we can preserve someone, forcing their heart to beat and give blood to the brain like for years after someone should have died and has no ability to do anything, suffering in pain. It just sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. What if science can separate vitals, and keep life indefinitely from there? I do think there is a limit to what life people have that should be preserved for life's sake itself. What that limit is might change from person to person, but I think everyone should have some limit based on examples above.

[@markmooney5662]

I love this 20 questions .....and such great questions.............GOD bless you and yours Pastor. Grace and peace Gilly wife of Mark

[@randomguy1453]

I've recently felt called to do something for God's kingdom, but I'm not sure if it's to be a pastor or maybe mission work, if I did mission work, it'd be in countries where Christianity is not only absent from society, but frowned upon, as those are the places we are needed most. Perhaps I could do both (mission first, pastor later) Although, focusing on being a pastor seems much more stable, and it could help cultivate well meaning Christians (not the lukewarm variety commonplace in today's world), again, the issue is that I don't know how to do it. This isn't a right now thing, but that doesn't change the importance of this calling, so I'll definitely put much prayer and thought into whatever I do, but if anyone here has advice, I'd be happy to hear it!

[@jerrystatic256]

One of the best Q&A's in a very long time. Great questions! 👍

[@johnsmallberries3476]

FWIW - I've always understood the new name to be a new name for each one of us individually so that if for some reason Jesus ever calls us for something there will be no confusion as to who it is He's talking to.

[@mandihodges3154]

My kids bribe me with hugs, kisses and big smiles. Melts me every time 😂😂

[@lhart5632]

On the question #14, in Rev 2:17, this is spoken to the churches not of Christ. My thought when read was that this went back to psalm 147:4 when God named each of the stars in the heavens, the beauty of his knowledge of each, and individual attention to them. What I see corresponding in the Revelation verse, is the intimate relationship this brings into knowing each and every one of us as his perfected children under the blood and Lordship of his Son. Jesus said the Father knew and numbered every hair on my head, a statement of deep love and caring for the uniqueness of each one of us in that love. I take Rev 2:17 to say the same kind of loving statement of God toward His redeemed who persevere to the end. Just my take on it. ❤

[@karil2550]

Always enjoy your videos. Thank you. Has helped enrich my faith even though I have been a Christian since childhood.

[@moosechuckle]

Stopped watching after I realized there was no counter. (I’m kidding)

[@terryhuffaker3615]

Hahahaha

[@AJ-ez4hn]

I would love for you to crop your answer to number 6 so I could share it with the planet. Please do this. What a great answer

[@mickknight6963]

Good word, Bro Mike! #4. Always loved how Paul and James corroborated one another using the same illustration of Abraham! Romans 4 = What God Sees, our heart. "...by grace, thru faith, unto good works." (Eph. 2:8-10.) James 2 = What People See. "I'll SHOW YOU my faith by my works." ✌️😎

[@mickknight6963]

@@dman7668 yes. By grace thru faith in Jesus alone....if you need the whole phrase, but yes. That's Jesus, Paul, Peter, and James! The whole Bible agrees and says people are saved by God's Grace thru our repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrificial blood shed and death on the cross alone! Plus no good works or church rituals, priests, baptism, sacraments, praying to dead christians, angels or Mary, the pope, ect to help Jesus. No help needed. Jesus is the only Saviour all by Himself.

[@mickknight6963]

You can just read it for yourself. Paul uses in Romans 4 the illustration of Abraham as does James in James 2. Unless you are going to say we should throw all of Paul's Holy Spirit inspired letters out and only keep James, or vise versa, then they were not directly opposing each other. But using the same illustration to prove the same point. That we are saved by grace thru faith in Jesus. And if it is real saving faith, it will show by a changed heart and life, by the works we do and don't do. In other words, when you get saved, God's Holy Spirit comes to live within the believer and that causes a change on the inside that produces a change on the outside, or it shows where people can see. People cannot see your heart. God sees that before there is ever a change on the outside! He sees faith. People can only see works! So Paul discusses what God sees and what really saves, which is God saves as soon as we repent and trust! God requires no works, for He is Saviour alone. But, people see we are saved, when God has changed us in a way that it later shows in our life. Thus, we are then justified in the eyes of people by our works, or lack of bad works, sin. But before that, God already saved us, no works required, or else we are part Saviour, which God will not allow! It would be a mockery of Jesus and His cross if we could add our little human works to that! Read it. Paul wrote all his letters to say we are saved by Jesus and His cross alone! You can say different, but don't blame the Bible for such heresy! It is all there to read. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Titus 3:5. Again: Paul is talking about what justifies us in God's eyes. James is talking about what justifies us in people's eyes. Faith = what God sees Works = What People see Pretty clear. ✌️😎

[@mickknight6963]

Also let me add this, IF salvation is partly dependent on us by works, we are in BIG trouble, in that, no one can be saved. We can never do enough works to cover our sins. That's why the cross, because we are hopelessly wicked!

[@mickknight6963]

@@dman7668 ok

[@vivianaucoin397]

Thanks for a very informative Q & A!

[@martin9410]

Just wanted to say a few words about Mike's interpretation of the Romans and James passages labeled number "4." First, let me state that I listen to Mike all the time. I think he is a wonderful teacher. Being a retired pastor myself, it's rare that I find someone that I like to watch and listen to, but he is one of those few exceptions. And having been a pastor I understand the pressure in interpreting some passages a certain way as to not anger one's leadership or fellowship. This doesn't mean that Mike isn't faithful to answer the way he thinks is right, it's just that sometimes, unbeknownst to ourselves we won't think outside the box on some subjects. Now to the subject at hand. Mike does a very good job with number 4, however, stumbles at the end. Let me explain, some fellowships "frontload" the gospel while others "backload" the Gospel. What this means is that some churches, add works to faith at the very onset of our new experience with salvation. Others say, "No, we're saved by faith alone," but then will sneak works into the mix in different ways. Here Mike is "backloading" the Gospel, basically saying that if there are no works shown in your life, this demonstrates a lack of "genuine faith," and without genuine faith, you're not saved. See how this works? So we're saying it is still "faith and works" that saves, not faith alone, but we're just saying it in such a way where that thought is disguised (maybe, even to ourselves). If we truly understand the letter from James, he never once casts a dispersion on his readers' salvation, but he says you need to exhibit to the world your faith by your works. Also, this "Lordship Salvation" ideology creates a "salvation based on fear mentality." One can never know if they're saved because we never know how many works it takes to show "genuine faith," or what the motives are of the works we do perform. Eternal life is a "free gift." A "free gift," doesn't have to be maintained or still be paid for by us. Even the explanation of the "demons shuttering," is poor theology. I would shutter too if I knew that God did not die for my sins and I had no possibility of rescue. Jesus died for mankind, not for heavenly beings. In fact, when James speaks of a "dead faith." In Greek, it doesn't mean "dead" the way we think of "dead." To us, "dead," means cease to exist. In Greek, it means something else. It means "void," "useless," "unprofitable." It still exists, it's still real, but it's not working. And then there is some confusion with verse 20 about "saving a soul from death." Remember, we always look for the harmony of Scriptures to also help in how we translate or interpret something. The Greek for "soul," most often in the New Testament refers to one's physical life. Well, do we see believers die because of sin? We certainly saw it with Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. In 1 Corinthians 11, we see some believers who have "fallen asleep," (died) because of their sin. In fact, even James alludes to it by inference, in speaking of the physically sick, James says, "...and the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him." I truly love Mike's teaching, but after years and 1000s of hours studying this passage and others related to it, I'm convinced that we are saved by faith alone. James encourages the saved in his community to show their faith by works, but not in order to show their salvation. So James is teaching the very opposite of how some interpret this subject. He doesn't say that "works" shows that we're saved and truly have genuine faith, rather, he says, get to work and show your faith, live up to that salvation, freely given. Notice what he says in 2:12, "So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom." He's not saying, question your faith to see if it's genuine, rather, he's saying "speak, and so act..." In fact, throughout his letter, he's telling them how to act and how to not act. If James was teaching the way this video interprets it, James would not tell believers at all to do various works, rather, he would say, "if you don't have these works, let's go back into your past and see if you're truly saved or not." But James isn't questioning their salvation but rather their desires. Notice later in James, "You lust and do not have...and you are envious and cannot obtain..." (James 4). It's like when John the Baptist told the Pharisees to "do works in keeping with repentance." Not only are we toying with the Gospel, when we teach a human works plus Jesus equals salvation, but we are robbing believers of their joy in Christ. Because if we make human works as the gold standard to show if our faith is genuine or not, then we need to establish how many works, the quality of those works, the motivation of those works, and then discover what is the magic criteria that one must meet. This criteria is not given in the Scriptures, so believers are left to doubt, hold fear in their hearts, and live a life of anxiety. I could go on but will stop here. Sometimes folks will even talk of a pattern of sin, or habitual sin, or the practice of sin, or a purposeful sin. I hate to shatter our bubbles here, but all sins are habitual and purposeful. We rarely sin by accident. And we practice sin daily. God bless.

[@hoxiefam6731]

Sounds like you are saying something Mike never said. He never said if you don't show works you aren't saved. He is simply stating what the passage says. That if you do have faith your life will show it as a result of the transformation of your heart. It's a consequence of having faith in the Lord not a requirement to be saved.

[@mallorypagan6770]

If faith equals salvation, you arguing whether works demonstrate faith vs salvation seems a bit silly, yeah?

[@martin9410]

@@mallorypagan6770 you’re perfectly free to think it’s silly as I am free to believe your view is silly.

[@kaymojil7669]

Praise God

[@thetheoreticaltheologian2458]

I’ve never heard of Adam being buried underneath where Jesus was crucified. I don’t think that really makes sense since the global flood would’ve destroyed the earth and most likely the body of Adam. Unless God supernaturally secured his body and planted it in the spot. However, I heard that the Ark of the Covenant was buried underneath where Jesus was crucified and His blood seeped down and landed on the Ark of the Covenant.

[@amberhebert2062]

I have heard this too recently. But my thing is wasn’t all those furnishing shadows of the the real. Why would the blood need to drip on the shadow? Just a thought.

[@LauraFaye]

I too have heard the Ark of the Covenant thing

[@pfranks75]

We just have to use discernment when fables attempt to infiltrate Christian beliefs. I just focus on what is in the written word of the Bible.

[@mybelovedisjesuschrist5591]

Pastor Mike needs to write a book on some of these great helps. 😎

[@matthewdecker2299]

Never knew I would miss the counter this early... Mike's compassion shows after Q11. Struggles for a few afterwards. I still struggle with some things I wasn't even involved with...

[@michaelroots6931]

With question 1. In the 90’s there were claims by Ron Wyatt of many things one was that the ark of the covenant buried under the cross and when the rock split and Jesus blood dripped on it. Many times we want believe things that excite us.

[@chriscross7494]

Bribes are for favors. They're like gifts with strings attached.

[@NoahUbf]

Concerning the Adam skull issue: there was a publication that some archaeologist had found a cave beneath Golgotha and the Ark in it. He said that Christ's blood flew through the cracks and sprinkled to the cover of the ark. He described everithing in details. But at the end he explains (in details) why he can not provide any proof.

[@chriswinchell1570]

Yeah, that was all convenient nonsense from Ron Wyatt.

[@aericabison23]

The funny thing is that the Ark was inside the Temple at the time of Jesus’ death. It disappeared only after the beginning of the Christian Era, at around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70. The point of the veil tearing in two was to expose the presence of God (represented by the Ark) to the whole world, because Jesus had opened a new way to God through His suffering and death. There is no way that the Ark was under the cross at the time. It’s just stupid of Ron Wyatt to prattle so many lies around.

[@JaylLaf]

I don't know about Adam's bones, but if you want to study a cool connection between Jesus and Adam (Mike, I know you love finding Jesus in the OT)... I've never forgotten about a sermon my dad preached when I was a kid (one of many!). He first discussed the significance of the ark of the covenant, the power and presence of God, what it contained and how those things signified God's covenant with his people. He then read the story in Joshua 3 and 4, when they were preparing to travel into the promised land with the ark out in front of the people. Check out what happened when they approached the Jordan and how far back the waters receeded...! There's some pretty cool symbolism to be recognized, at this moment that they passed into the land that God had promised to His people, finally fulfilled after wandering the desert for 40 years.

[@deripfina]

Could I ask you for prayer fellow believers? I feel deeply that something is not right with me after being stuck at home for a year and almost a half. (This post is long but I pray that someone will read this and agree with me in prayer for the end of it). I am 16 and my best friend, who was more or less the leader in our friendship in making friendships with the people at our youth group and just coming up with fun ideas because she was insanely outgoing, moved away a couple months ago. I struggled with certain things about her that weren’t healthy, and her personality is abrasive to most people who aren’t used to it, in fact, most kids at church didn’t like her when we were growing up. But she was my absolute closest friend and the only person I am really comfortable with at our church. I’ve always been the quiet, nice one in all of my groups, at school and church, but now I feel like a part of me is missing, the part that made it easy to talk to other people. Now that she’s not here to blab her mouth to people and start conversations that I can insert myself into easily, I find myself absolutely mute and speechless in simple interactions like saying hello. I am terrified of social interaction where I have to respond to questions because I feel like I do a horrible job at answering in the moment. And Like I said, staying at home with no contact with anybody and not practicing my social skills definitely hasn’t help. For example, yesterday was our youth group’s first day back in person and I dreaded so much of it because I couldn’t find the words to speak to others, I was petrified. And I can’t bring myself to open my mouth, even when I have the answer in my head, I feel debilitated by her absence. I have absolutely no other friends at church to talk to and the other girls and boys are all friends, I am a total outcast. I’m left with no one to sit by or share even one word with. The people respect me and love me for what I do for our youth group but they have no reason to talk to someone who never responds back to them with any substance. I need the help of the Lord to relate to this people who I have never tried to be friends with and who are increasingly irritated by my awkwardness. I need the Lord’s grace so bad!!! I need him to open my mouth and flood out the right words that will help me have fellowship with even one person!! I am doing all that I can in terms of service: piano every week on the worship team, prayer team after service, a couple other teams too, I just CAN’T get close to ANYONE at this current time! Lord please help me. Remove what is stopping my mouth please. I am desperate for communion with you and your people. I know who I am on the inside, the bubbly, happy, girl who loves to be with and serve other people. Where is she Lord? Where has she gone? What do you have for her future? Please Father, I beg you please, give me the grace that is necessary to reach these boys and girls who I can currently see are drifting away from you but I have no strength, ability, knowledge, or skill on how to become friends with them. Open their hearts and open mine to the possibility of friendship and let me not fail! Let it be for your honor Lord!!! That I may be able to connect with your creations! I desire to see your church filled with brothers and sister, not just a group of brothers or a group of sisters with some neighbors hanging around the church, not knowing or having someone to talk to or at a loss for how talk. I pray for those in similar situations as me. Brings us through Lord. Make this a part of our testimony, something we will look back on and say, “I see exactly why that had to happen. Isn’t my God good!” Yes Lord! I can see that you’re good even now as I’m alone among men! This loneliness will not last I believe, if it is in your will, so that I can bring lives to you God and the constant communion with others will sweeten my days and revive my spirit. I see you Lord in my interactions. The Spirit of God speaking through them. I want you Lord to speak through me. Please give me the words to speak life into others! Words have the power of life and death in them - but what happens when I have no words? Do I kill my friend, do I give them life, both, neither?? I want my words to give life and life only Father!!!!! I am so dependent on you Lord that I can’t see where my feet will be placed next in this situation God. Take my hand and lead me Lord, I reach my hand out! Take it please!! And take my burden in the process Lord, make my way easy. I love you and trust you God. You haven’t ever let me down. I need more and more trust in this situation. But never let my trust in you run out God, I ask you that. Instead let it abound! I commit my spirit to your Spirit, Lord and my heart to your Son, and my future to you, Father. I place it all in your hands, I’m not holding anything back. I give you my broken life to fix God, I can’t do this. I pray for peace for me and my brothers and sisters and love and the Holy Spirit to be the glue between us. I pray so seriously God that you remove this awkwardness from me fast!! I commit all of us into your hands God, in Jesus’ mighty, glorious, powerful name. Amen. 💓

[@gracefullyyours6508]

Amen 🙏🏻 I will pray for you but I must say that your beautiful intelligent prayer and reply shows that you are full of substance and that you do you have plenty to say you just need to trust that when the time comes the Lord God will speak through you. I can tell great things will happen for you, you just need to be patient and realize that this time in your life won’t last forever. One day it will be a distant memory as new great times in your life are to come. May God‘s will be done.

[@mamuklutze6474]

Hi Ruth! How are you doing? How is everything? The Lord is with you 🙏🏽 ❤️

[@joyceburns2613]

You want it all...now. You should know "in His time" it will come to pass. Don't think He doesn't know your heart, He does. Be more patient with life and stay close to Jesus in constant prayer

[@captcrouton]

The Plan A/ Plan B topic was so good (number 6) . Just resonates in my spirit.

[@vonamir2000]

Me too. God bless you!

[@bluelights23]

When it comes to thoughts, I have heard psychologists talk about learning to reject and disregard impulsive thoughts. We have THOUSANDS of thoughts daily and we can only control or access a small percentage of our brain. The fruit of the spirit exist for a reason and the flesh can be ratchet out here yall! Lol but from experience, don’t waste your time on heinous thoughts you didn’t even welcome or want. Instead flip the though to be the complete opposite to be what you do actually believe and meditate on that

[@joshuavarner8554]

The love of God is without repentance! We love God because He first loved us. To obey God is love for Him, but God's love is not depending on our performance, just as your love for your child is not dependent on that child loving you back. If we have such love for our children we being evil , how much more is God's love unwavering towards those who seek after Him?

[@Eyesofmars2040]

Mike when you talked about Israel being continually brought back it proved the earlier point , when we are faithless, he is faithful.

[@johnernest1207]

Even God has limits. When the Jews rejected Jesus, God had their temple destroyed, and later He had them kicked out of Jerusalem.

[@johnernest1207]

@Regina Jornov "But God brought them back in 1948 as a nation state. So yes He is faithful. His Word said he would bring them back and is still bringing more of them back to Israel to this day. God bless!" A nation state that rejects Jesus but allows abortion and same-sex unions? Are you SURE it was God?

[@noway5378]

Good. Thank you.

[@johnwarren3789]

When someone says their called, yet the clear qualifications layed in scripture are dismissed, its always a danger

[@kvelez]

1:16:05 Thank you.

[@Captain-Awesome]

Something to add to the last question that is also a very cool and big number. Way back before we actually knew about the sequence of events that had to occur to have the functioning planet we have today. So back before we knew most anything the book of Genesis was written. It lays out 27 creation events and is 100% accurate. To hit 27 out of 27 the mathematic term is written “!27” which is 27 with 80 zeros!! God wasn’t guessing when he wrote the Bible…

[@travelingcherrys9823]

Christ's blood fell on to the mercy seat of the arc of the covenant.

[@brettdavis5555]

On question 1, I heard a theory that the Ark of the Covenant was hidden under ground where Jesus was crucified. As His blood dripped on the ground, it seeped down, and fell on the Mercy Seat.

[@chriswinchell1570]

Ron Wyatt boloney.

[@VickyRBenson]

I looked into it in great.detail, and I think it’s very possible. It would be like something God would orchestrate. There are just so many amazing details how it all came about and what Ron Wyatt found out that he couldn’t possibly have known. The rock was split so that the blood could run down to the underground cave where the ark of the covenant was located.

[@amberhebert2062]

My thing is why doesn’t scripture let us know this detail if it were important.

[@chriswinchell1570]

@@amberhebert2062 The Tenakh is mythology. There were never thousands of Jews used as slaves in Egypt, no Moses, no Exodus, no Ark. The first 5 books of the Old Testament is just an origin story written by Hebrews when in captivity in Babylon. In Jesus’ time, they either knew this or suspected it or did not believe Jesus was divine because otherwise they would have asked him about it’s whereabouts.

[@JEY-discipledcities]

A gift in secret "Averts" anger - It postpones it ,not do away with it. Later it will bite you. (probably) I could say more but I'll stop here. Great answer though.

[@onelove6576]

The Calgary cross has the skull and bones of Adam underneath it. It represents that Jesus concured death.... and its a old tradition in orthodoxy that Adams tomb was ”near” the place where Jesus was crucified, golgotha, calvary.... god bless you all and much love from Sweden 🇸🇪💟✝️💟

[@danbrown586]

Q1: That's an interesting suggestion, and admittedly one I hadn't heard before, but even leaving aside the fact that there's zero biblical evidence to support it, there's quite a bit to contradict it: (1) Eden was well to the east of Jerusalem, and Adam went east from there after the fall--all indications that we have indicate he just wouldn't have been in, or anywhere near, Jerusalem to have been buried there (and there's no particular reason he would have sought it out; Jerusalem wasn't of any particular significance to God's people until long after his death); (2) there's the minor matter of the flood (about 1500 years after Adam's death, per the biblical timeline), which would have been disruptive to any remains that, well, remained; (3) again according to the biblical timeline, Adam died over 3000 years before Christ--unless they were fossilized, even the bones would have long since disintegrated by then (and if they were fossilized, they'd be embedded in rock and not exactly in a condition to be resurrected). So not only does the Bible *not* tell us this *did* happen, what it *does* tell us pretty well forces the conclusion that it *did not* happen. But there are lots of figurative or metaphorical connections that could be drawn here (e.g., the effects of Adam's fall were undone in Christ's death, that Adam himself was saved by Christ's death, etc.), and I'm wondering if that may have been the context in which the ancient writers you mentioned suggested this.

[@jefftomkins1395]

Adam existed before the global flood. Golgotha is composed of the sedimentary rock unit laid down in flood known as the Cretaceous and is of marine origin (limestone). Thus it is impossible for Adam to have been buried there.

[@jacobhargiss9909]

faith and works ultimately comes down to putting your money where your mouth is. anyone can say they believe anything, but if they do not act on those beliefs or act antithetical to them, then they probably don't believe what they have convinced themselves they believe.