Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:03 {What if God Has No Free Will?} Does God lack free will Himself, since He cannot act outside of or contrary to His nature? If so, doesn’t that make His actions questionable? 2. 20:31 {How Did John have Materials to Write?} Were papyrus and writing supplies expensive? How did John, banished to the Island of Patmos, have all the necessary items to write down his Revelation? 3. 23:22 {Should we Infer Doctrine from Scripture?} Is it wrong to base doctrine on inference? Is it ever legitimate? E.g., the context of Hebrews 12:1 says nothing about saints watching us from Heaven, but some say it’s implied by the word “witnesses.” 4. 31:43 {Where is the 2nd Coming in Scripture?} Where does it say in the Bible that the Messiah will have a second coming? Does Jesus tell His disciples that He won’t be fulfilling all of the Old Testament prophecies just yet? 5. 36:29 {Did Jesus Always Have Power to Heal?} Regarding when Luke 5: 17 says, “The power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal,” did Jesus not always have this power, or does Luke emphasize it here because of what happens next? What’s your take on this? 6. 42:01 {Do Our Prayers Affect Others’ Salvation?} Do our prayers for the unsaved actually increase their chances of being saved, vs. if they didn’t have anyone praying for them? 7. 48:52 {Our Sinful Flesh vs. Spiritual Warfare} How can I discern the difference between demonic influence and my flesh when it comes to sinful struggles? 8. 52:52 {Which Scripture is God-Breathed?} In 2 Timothy 3: 16, when it says “All Scripture is God-breathed…” what would the author have meant by “Scripture”? Because as far as I know, books like Jude and Revelation hadn’t been written yet. 9. 55:00 {About Asexuality} Is asexuality real? I know believers who say they’re asexual (not sexually attracted to anyone). I think this may be true of me, but could it just be God guarding my heart from lust over the years? 10. 1:01:25 {Physical Appearances of Jesus Today?} Does Mark 13: 21-23 refute present-day claims of Jesus physically appearing to people, or is this a misapplication of the text?
4) A day is like a thousand years to God according to the Bible. The Day of the Lord, the Rapture and Judgment Day is all on ONE day which His thousand year reign. It’s been 2000 yrs which means He can arrive at any moment according to scripture. Hosea 6:2 “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence. 2 Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
7) Two sides of the same coin. The devil tempts you with what’s in your heart, only Jesus can renew your heart and strength. It’s why we need to seek Him always in prayer wearing our armor and turning from sin. Proverbs 3:5-6 9) Biblically and scientifically we have attractions to the opposite sex. Anything outside of the Bible and how God created us as human beings is demonic influence through sin.
@@NewCreationInChrist896It means that God is not constrained by time. God created time, therefore He is outside of time. Yet He is in control of thimgs and living beings in time
My aunt was praying for years for my grandfathers salvation. He would tell my grandmother to tell their daughter to stop praying for him because his mind was so troubled he couldn't sleep. Of course she didn't stop praying. And he did get saved
For the 23yo who is asexual, I am about your age and I wrestle with the same question. I gave up the label due to various circumstances (mostly my pride / desire to form my own identity instead of letting God shape me), but the feelings are still there so I relate to you a lot. I think Mike nailed it though, he used the scripture I am aware of and spoke accurately about our culture. That should be of great comfort. However, if you’re like me, then you also desire a relationship and marriage. This is something I am wrestling with right now myself, but I recommend looking at what Biblical marriage looks like, which Pastor Mike partially covers in his women in ministry series. It’s helped me a lot because that version of marriage is so beautiful, and has let me process it. In any case, keep Jesus at the forefront :) he loves you and he knows you, he’ll help you through it all.
Oh brother Mike. You are a blessing in my life. I can’t even think of the right words to explain it. What big of a blessing you are. You have changed the way I read my Bible. And my thinking process. I thank God for your faithful service in his kingdom. Be blessed 😊
I am so grateful to God for this ministry! I know everyone at Bible Thinker is storing their treasures in Heaven. I cannot wait to celebrate glory with all of you!
Re: John's exile on Patmos. Mike's answer is definitely correct, but I'd also add that exile was not as completely restrictive as prison. Napoleon, for example, in his exile to Elba, lived in a minor palace, complete with servants, lands, and access to some of his wealth. He just couldn't leave the island. While John certainly wouldn't have those lavish amenities, he also wasn't living in a cave wearing rags. He likely had a residence and regular interaction with the other island residents (Patmos isn't some tiny deserted island). So it would be relatively easy for him to receive visitors or obtain supplies.
Brother Mike, I want you to know that when I think of you I always stop to pray 2 ways: 1) Thanksgiving for you and your ministry, and 2) for protection and blessings on you, your family, and your ministry for the Lord. I love that you are vocal and intentional about giving all the glory to God - virtually every time I listen to your videos, you take time to clearly present the gospel, to give all credit to God, and to remind everyone that what God does and thinks is what matters… not what Pastor Mike thinks or does. Amen!
I guess my comment keeps getting filtered because of some phrase in the verse I'm trying to share. Anyways in reference to 13:20, see Exodus 9:15. God says He could have done differently.
Great verse and it also highlights why God chooses to act in a certain way and it’s not exactly because God chooses what is “good”. More accurately, verse 16 God says that he acted to display his power and make his name proclaimed in all the earth. Granted, the path that maximizes God’s glory is by definition “good” but probably not always “good” in the way that we think of it.
I think this passage actually i.pliew the reverse... @@justinanderson8421 God is glorified by his goodness, sparing the guilty let's living witnesses see he is good. Goodness comes first, and he reaps the benefits of this goodness as it gives him a good report among men, another end good as this can act as a means to call people to repentance in the future... yet another good.
Thank you so much Mike, you have helped me so much over these last few years and I praise and thank Jesus Christ for you! May He bless you and give you rest!
Love your work. Be encouraged in the wisdom God shares through you, it is impacting many. To your first question, I thought of Exodus 32:9-14. God relented after discussion with Moses
Regarding question 1... may I suggest that perhaps coming at it from a question of judgement would answer the question of free will. Free will is at its base the ability to make a "choice". Judgement is the ability to make a wise choice. One could then use the scripture that supports God being a righeous judge to support His free will. He is wise, and thus can judge (rightly) in any circumstance. For example, when challenged by Job about the things that occured, one of the first questions from Adonai was: “Would you really annul My judgment? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?" - Job 40:8 Just a thought.
God doesn't need any of us to save people. He can appear directly to his sheep to bring them into salvation. That God allows any of us to evangelize is a gift as he is giving us great honor when we obey and evangelize.
For Q1... when dealing with Moses and the Jews in the wilderness and their transgressions, scripture says God changed his mind. So He can make choices on how to deal with different situations. He was going to do 1 thing, Moses begged for a second chance, and God changed his mind.
The philosopher arguer would just say but then He just followed His plan to use Israel from the start. Not using them would have been deviating from the plan and He didn't.
For verses about alternative possibilities with God, Exodus 9:15-16 is an example - 15 "For by now I [Yahweh] could have put out my hand and struck you [Pharaoh] and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth.16 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth."
Job understood that only God would have perfect freewill. "“I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted." John understood this too. "This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." Light is the expression of perfect full knowledge and wisdom.
" no purpose of yours can be thwarted " Only God Himself can thwart the purposes of God. But if God were to change His mind, or appear to have changed His mind, in the life of a man would it not have been changed before the man or the world or anything was created since He knew everything before it ever was? God had free will way before there was anybody else to question whether or not He had free will. The whole idea of God, all powerful, all knowing, and outside of time or material can become a very heavy subject in a short time. But that is good, the more we study, the bigger He gets.
@@michaelszczys8316 It is very hard for a human being to understand that contingency is not in the nature of God we being so governed by contingency from our nature.
On number 7, I don't believe that the vast majority of humanity has or will ever come into direct contact with Satan (after all, he is a singular entity just like us and not "omnipresent" and there have been something like 117 billion humans across all of history so I doubt he has had time nor ability to meet with everyone even once, let alone know anything about most of us). So this idea that "Satan tempted me" (like he did Jesus in the desert) makes the entire relationship seem much more personal than it is and makes Satan out to be way more powerful than he is. Satan creates traps in culture that can trip you up and encourage you to sin. So clearly that means his schemes are designed to take advantage of your natural sinful desires. You're not hearing the voice of Satan, you're hearing your own sinful desires.
One response might be that you can "encounter" Van Gogh or Shakespeare or the architects of cathedrals by experiencing their works. "Shakespeare inspired me" is a meaningful statement that doesn't imply a seance with Will's ghost. Though I agree that that's probably not what most people mean. .... Maybe that's more agreement than a response, on reflection.
But consider that one third of the angels fell with him. don't know how many that is but I am sure it was a lot. Satan doesn't have to personally tempt you. He has a large network to use. Maybe something on the scale of the "Screwtape Letters " by C S Lewis.
You are simultaneously right and wrong, particularly because you are foolishly downplaying Satan's power. The fact that he has the ability to deceive the entire world means he has tremendous power. Is he as powerful as God? Certainly not. However, the fact remains that Satan was once a cherub who covered God's throne, and Hebrews teaches that the average angel is far more powerful than human beings. It is unwise to downplay Satan's power.
Great questions. God can go outside His will, but then the question would be, why would God want to contradict Himself? He wouldn't, and it's safe to say that He abides by the law of non contradiction
Will and desire are different. One can have multiple conflicting desires concerning a given action, but only 1 active will. I can desire to drive intoxicated and also desire not to break the law. My will would be either to drive intoxicated or don't. Your will is what you have determined to effectualize (act out).
I think all those instances in the Bible are clear examples of times when God planned to do one thing, but then did another. Doesn’t that answer the question of whether God has options?
5 no miracles because of lack of faith? Lack of faith is not only to believe more, but rather emphasizes when doubters and sceptics override what little faith there is in the area
I think free will as we understand it, probably isn't the same as free will to God. Free will actually requires time for decision making. Given that time is created by God, that he pre-exists time as we know it, a day is as a thousand years to God and the concept of "free will" existing to God may not be relevant. I mildly differ from Mike in God making the best decisions possible. That God makes the decisions makes them good. Plato wrote a book called Euthyphro talking about the nature of morality, and he brought the question. "Do the Gods love things because they are good or because Gods love things, that makes them good?" He doesn't really go into the 2nd possibility in the book, but I think that's the correct one. God doing a thing makes it good. Otherwise we would have to posit that goodness pre-exists God, I think.
Hey Mike, in addition to the two versions of free will (the source & the alternative), would you consider compatiblism a third version? The passages you cite from the Psalms seem to indicate that God always does what pleases him. He freely chooses what he most desires to do according to his perfect & sinless nature. If God were able to sin, he would not be more free but less free. Otherwise, with our sinful nature, we are somehow more free than God, even though Paul calls us slaves to sin prior to conversion. And in the perfected state, we will not be able to sin anymore, yet we will be more free than we’ve ever been. Just a thought. Thanks for wrestling with this question.
regarding Hebrews 12:1, the biggest hint about what that verse is referrencing or talking about is the first word, "Therefore", and the first thing you should ask when you see that word is, "what is it there for?". and i wouldn't say its wrong to base doctrine on inference, but it definitely isn't wise. inferring doctrine is a good way to justify your biases or presuppositional beliefs, and not actually realize what scripture could be saying. inference is an easy way to blind yourself to the actual things scripture is saying. as for the 4th question regarding the second coming, Mike you say there is a clarity in the NT regarding the 2nd coming but the teaching is in the OT. i would kind of agree with this, but the clarity brought to us by the apostles in the NT teachings is from their understanding of the OT. when you dive real deep into it however the 2nd coming is all throughout the OT and is very clear. if you only study the 2nd coming through the NT it brings confusing more than anything. first off, is the Davidic covenant. the promise God made to David about his offspring ruling and reigning from his throne forever and ever. there is also, is majority OT books, promises made to Israel about their suffering ending and no more tears/mourning and a restoration. this is speaking about the ruling and reigning of that king to sit on Davids throne forever. in the practices God gave Israel, like the sabbath. observe a day of rest...this is symbolic of the reign, its prophetic of the reign. when Jesus said come to Me and I will give you rest, He didn't mean He'd give you a day off work, He meant you'll come into the millennial reign of Christ, the "day" of rest where your sufferings will end, where you'll be restored, born again in the resurrection as He was, etc etc. thoughout majority OT books and almost every single OT prophet it speaks of the second coming, but it doesn't use that verbiage. its labeled the "day of the Lord". that is referring to the second coming, and its described and/or referrenced in every OT prophet except Jonah. it is litered all over the place, because this is exactly the hope of Israel - for this promised king to return and rule and reign, and establish justice throughout the earth. the promise of the restoration. paradise, "heaven", access to the tree of life again. being adopted sons and daughters of Israel, or grafted into the tree of Israel this is also our hope. this is when we'll be born again, restored, resurrected into the kingdom (or reign) of heaven where Gods will be done on Earth. 1 Thess 4 speaks of this as well, saying when someone dies not to mourn as those who have no hope. essentially because we have the hope of the resurrection, where we'll be with those again at the coming of Christ when we're gathered to Him at His return as His bride. It also specifically says the day of the Lord there as well, in 1 Thess 5 something. also same thing in 2 Thess 2. the key is the day of the Lord. and when scripture like Peter is saying something like "and in that day" its referring to the day of the Lord. "that day", which day? the day of the Lord, which is the day of His coming and our gathering together to Him, as described and defined in scripture very clearly.
i forgot to mention, that yes while the OT scriptures don't specifically state the day of the Lord is the 1st or 2nd coming, there are clear things that will happen on the day of the Lord that did not occur at His 1st appearance. hindsight is 20/20 however, and this is what fooled the jews of the day and even the apostles. they believed that the coming of the Messiah, and the day of the Lord, were to occur at that time. they didn't really get that He needed to die and be resurrected 1st
A BYU professor, Truman Madsen, proposed this. "Does God will it because it is right or is it right because He wills it?" The answer is "Yes!". He wills it because it is right, and because, if He wills it, it is right.
#1. I think we see God using free will when we see Abraham asking God to change his mind on how many righteous people it would take to save Sodom, and how Moses argues with God multiple times to not give up on the Hebrews in the desert after they leave Egypt (at one point God says he will start over with just Moses and find new people to turn into a nation and Moses convinces him not to because of how the Egyptians would judge God).
If GOD had no free will, then neither would we, but we do have free will, so GOD MUST have free will. He chose to create, therefore, HE could have chosen not to... It's really that simple and obvious.
I believe God has free will. I believe he freely chose to create us, and I believe he freely chose to save us. I do not think he had to do those things.
Q6. Mike, have I got this right. If you’re “chosen” you’re chosen, no matter what. However, someone praying for you might influence you being chosen? So, at what point are you chosen ? What does chosen even mean. Chosen people, the Jews, or 144000 that Revelation and Jehovah’s Witnesses talk about?
Hey Mike! I think you could say that Christ, being one with God/being a part of the Trinity, facing the temptations in the wilderness shows God has the principle of alternative possibilities. What do you think?
If anyone wants to look into the free will idea, look up Dr. Jordan B. Cooper. He has about 40 hours of material in this topic as well as various others.
If there is an option to do something and an option to not do that thing would be enough for free will to be present. To us God did have free will, but voluntarily limited himself in order for creatures in creation to pray to him and wish for good things to happen, this way it's not only his free will anymore but multiple beings wishing for same good things, therefore Satan loses his power of accusation of God and creatures in creation. This is just my theory I devised with limited knowledge that I have as a human.
Pastor Mike, what about David at Keilah 1 Samuel 23? God tells David what will happen in the future and then it does not happen due to David making a choice to leave the area. Is this a good example of showing God knowing all possibilities that are real and possible? Also, what do you think of the idea that free will is what God is talking about when he says we are made in his image?
@michaelszczys8316 God does not have free will, or rules for Himself. These are human things that happen in our life, these are words that we have for humans. God does not function as a human; we are finite God is Infinite we cannot put God in a box and make like He thinks like we do or that we can think how God works. It is beyond our comprehension, how God thinks. The only way that we know how God thinks is ONLY what He tells us in His Word Period. It is not our place in saying anything about how God thinks unless it is what He has told us about Himself in His Word.
@@robertrlkatz6890 the word says that God can not lie. Do you think God has a rule for Himself about lying? Do you think He has free will to go against His own ruling or against His own statements but just by His own free will does not go against them. Or do you think the ' all powerful ' God of Abraham does not have the ability in the first place to do such?
@@michaelszczys8316 Dear Michael, this is very easy to answer because God answer this Himself, you see when God tells us His Attributes then we should not question anything He does. Whatever God says in His Word we can take it to the Bank. If it is not written in His Word then we should not question His mind, we cannot understand how His mind works, unless He has told us in His Word. He tells us in, Isaiah 55: 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. I hope this helps.
@@michaelszczys8316 I will see if they allow me to show you these verses, Isaiah 55:8-9 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
If there is no freewill then how can people even be accountable for their wrongs? The source would be the guilty party. Equal oportunity to do wrong or right = being responsible and guilty to need forgiveness.
"You will say to me then, 'Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?' But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?'” Romans 9:19-20
well, depends what you mean free will. I would think.. God /and humans have free will in the same sense. We are all bound by our thought processes (and circumstances) to inevitably land in 100% predictable outcomes (well predictable if you could know every single factor and somehow had a Godlike ability to calculate how and how much each influence would influence the person.) If your parents were drinkers you might become a drinker. But there might be more factors to consider.. like.. maybe you were motivated by a speech in 4th grade that made you not want to be a drinker. BUT..then in high school you go to a party and your friends peer pressure you to try it. You start drinking.. until you get a girlfriend that hates it..and she becomes important enough to quit for her.. etc. You see, we are controlled by factors.. if you know all the factors.. a human is basically just like a algorithm, and is 100% predictable if you were all knowing to know every thought process that is affected by every life factor. If i'm wrong.. i can't see how.
Okay in Exodus Moses convinces God not to kill the Abraham convinces God not to kill everybody if there are 10 righteous men does prove God has free will he could choose or the other
I think an example of God showing his free will is when he judges sodom and gomorrah. He tells Abraham that he is on his way to destroy the cities and abraham pleads for them God allows him to plead for the cities down to 10 righteous people. If there were 10 righteous people in sodom and gomorrah then God promised not to destroy the cities. He showed his free will by allowing himself to be pleaded with, and by agreeing to spare the cities if the conditions could be met. He promised to change his plan if 10 people could be found
The greater example of God’s free will in that account is understanding that God has the power to know everything before it occurs. It would take any human god-like unlimited power to restrain or constrain themselves from exercising the power of foreknowledge or foreknowing events before they happen. However, although God can know everything He restrains Himself from using that power or ability to know things before they happen in turn allowing people to have control over their own decision making ie free will. If He foresaw every decision each person makes they truly couldn't break free from the linear path God has foreseen. At Genesis 18:21, God finishes His statement by saying, “if not, I WILL know” or “I WILL FIND out.” He doesn't say, “I already know because I know everything before it happens.” He says, “I WILL KNOW” and the Hebrew word used “Yada” essentially means to know or ASCERTAIN what's happening. So, an example of God exercising His free will is in Him CHOOSING to limit or restrain His own power to allow humans the ability to live freely and make decisions freely without Him foreseeing a linear path that can't be changed by any person.
42:01 Luke 10:2 NKJV Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
@Crazychickenlady448 A more specific form of polygamy. Basically, polygamy includes three categories: Polygyny: Having more than one wife. Polyandry: Having more than one husband. Polyamory: Multiple men and women in a group or some combination. Generally Christians agree that polyandry and polyamory are clearly forbidden in scripture. For many, it is not clear that polygyny is biblically forbidden.
@@Crazychickenlady448I'm pretty sure polygyny is exclusively a man having multiple female partners whereas polygamy is just generally people having multiple partners regardless of genders
In response to your answer to the question "is all Scripture God-breathed"; I feel you didn't flesh out the answer enough. There is a glaring 2nd question that grows up out of your answer to view it as a "category": if the verse in II Tim. isn't excluding future Scripture (Revelation, etc.) from being considered as such even though it wasn't even written at the time and Timothy/Paul had no idea it even would be, how do we know there aren't other future writings that should've been considered Scripture but weren't put into the Canon? How do we know when the Bible "ended", if this is the correct interpretation of that verse (which I do personally agree with you on)? By this reasoning, there could be someone today writing down something that is God-breathed and should be added to the Bible (the claim of Joseph Smith, for example would fit this), so how do we know that it can't possibly be Scripture and is absolutely false, based on this viewpoint? Thank you for your ministry!
THAT'S A SILLY QUESTION. GOD IS SOVEREIGN. I KNOW THE 2024 VERSION OF CHRISTIANS DON'T KNOW WHAT MEANS BUT YOU BUT BETTER LEARN❤YOU QUESTION GOD'S WORDS AND ACTIONS TO YOUR OWN DEMISE. NOTHING HE EVER SAYS OR DOES IS EVER QUESTIONABLE❤
Some models of impeccability actually appear to say God acts by necessity as there's ever only 1 highest good option in any situation. But no it wouldn't make him suspect, but it would certainly make him slightly more an IT than a WHO in that he would be utterly elemental, like the wind... doing what it does by nature alone. At least he wouldn't be capricious. But personally I think God is both truly free, and not at all capricious. I think the relationship between God's act amd nature is a cyclictical self generated relationship... he chooses to be good, not by necessity but by will, by choice, indeed affirming and perpetuating thw supremacy of his nature by definition of his consistent choices. It just so happens God's character amd values are more reliable than the laws of the universe... so it appears more elemental than Any elemental force, yet it isn't by necessity. This is why our faith is so sure, because we TRUST him to keep being who he reveals himself to be.
Regarding the free will question. There is a discussion in philosophy about whether we have "free will" (agency/volition) or not (called determinism). This is a false dichotomy. The truth is that we have both. We have agency and can make conscious choices, and we also can act impulsively or reactively without making any conscious thought. The question about God having free will is asking if God has agency or does he function like an automata. The bible always depicts God as having agency. One example of this is Abraham asking God to spare the city if God finds 40 righteous people...or how about 30? or how about 20? Each time, God grants Abraham's request. That said, talking about God in this way is largely pointless. God is not a human being. He is a unique being and we cannot really discuss His psychology, which is a study of humans.
If you believe in a deterministic future then God Himself is helpless to change the future He foresaw..... as helpless as us to change the future. It robs God of His sovereignty. I don't believe in deterministic suppositions for this reason.
Would seem absurd to me that God would even entertain the idea of choosing a second best option when there is a better option. That's like saying a logical thinking human might just decide to fall backward down the staircase when they have the option of walking down. THAT is absurd.
I think a more accurate way of phrasing that would be that God has an infinite number of options that are equally good. God can choose any option and still get his desired results.
Mike: Read Exodus 32:7-14 - God is going to destroy those he brought out of Egypt. Moses intercedes on their behalf and CHANGES God's mind. God would have brought up a New Nation from Moses' decedents. God’s plan for Christ to come as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind would not change but the individuals we know in history would not be the same individuals because they would never have been born. But, God’s overall plan for the salvation of man would still come to pass. The goal is the same, the individuals involved would have been different all except for Christ himself.
I think God's will is always for the good, but does He allow bad things to happen and then use them for the good? I would suggest allowing Jesus to suffer and die for us was the ultimate expression of that will. There have been many times, especially recently, in the world that have been "bad" but God used them for the good imo. Many ppls eyes have been opened to the evils of thIs world by the evilness they witnessed, so net good!
Both carnations and roses have meaning depending on one’s cultural background. And, many people in the U.S. have little cultural affinity with such symbols anyway. I suggest giving what one’s partner will best understand and appreciate. But I’m an atheist so that’s not biblical…silly me. Consider wine and bread…hold the gall….definitely hold the gall.🤢 maybe a little mandrake root 😉 Lillies 😇
Jehovah has absolute freedom, and we can learn from the way he uses his freedom. For example, Jehovah chose the nation of Israel to be his people, “his special property.” (Deuteronomy 7:6-8) He had a reason for making that choice. Jehovah wanted to keep the promise he had made to his friend Abraham. (Genesis 22:15-18) In addition, Jehovah is always loving and fair when he uses his freedom. We can see that in the way he disciplined the Israelites when they disobeyed him. When they were truly sorry for what they had done, Jehovah showed them love and mercy. He said: “I will heal their unfaithfulness. I will love them of my own free will.” (Hosea 14:4) Jehovah set a good example for us by using his freedom to help others! Jehovah chose to create angels and humans with free will. Jehovah’s first creation was Jesus. He was created in God’s image and had free will. (Colossians 1:15) How has Jesus used his freedom? Before coming to earth, Jesus chose to remain loyal to God and not to join Satan and his rebellion. When Jesus came to earth, he made the choice to reject Satan’s temptations. (Matthew 4:10) Then, on the night before his death, Jesus assured his Father that he wanted to do His will. He said: “Father, if you want to, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, let, not my will, but yours take place.” (Luke 22:42) Is it really possible for us to imitate Jesus and use our free will to honor Jehovah and do his will?
Yes, God has free will, just as we have free will. However, God does not have a fewe nature, just as we do not have a free nature. Gods nature is perfectly good, meaning He can only choose to do good things. Our nature (in our natural state) is depraved, meaning we can only choose evil. We are God haters and can only become God lovers when God changes our nature.
Personally, I believe asexuality, that is, really not feeling any attraction to the opposite gender, not just an “identification, “ exists. I believe Jesus was asexual because I cannot even begin to imagine God having sexual attraction towards His creation.
I watch these at the gym. It’s insane to me how consistently through this random question live stream I have so many questions and over arching themes click together from seemingly unconnected questions. I’ve even found sometimes I’ll be resistant for whatever reason to finishing one of these videos. Everytime this has happened it’s because I’ll have something pop up throughout the week that you answer directly. These are seriously such a blessing to me and I am so grateful for God sending me to your channel! We love you Mike! You are constantly helping me on my faith journey, God bless!!
I like that you are doing this every week now!! This is a great idea to do 10 questions weekly. I really look forward to listening to you and I learn so much. Thank you, Mike!
Priceless 'human life' conversation with Chap GPT: I just asked it flat out when science says life begins. Word for word, it responded: According to science, human life typically begins at conception when a sperm fertilizes an egg, forming a single cell called a zygote. This marks the beginning of a new genetically distinct organism with its own unique set of DNA. Then I asked it to elaborate: Sure! Essentially, when a sperm fertilizes an egg, it forms a zygote, which is the beginning of a new human life. From that point on, the zygote undergoes various stages of development, ultimately growing into a fetus and eventually being born as a baby. This process is supported by scientific evidence and understanding of human biology and embryology. And would you argue that humans have a responsibility to protect all human life that's innocent? The idea of protecting innocent human life is a complex ethical question that people hold different perspectives on. Some argue that there is a moral responsibility to protect all innocent human life, while others may have different views based on various factors such as personal beliefs, cultural norms, and legal frameworks. It's a topic that invites thoughtful consideration and discussion. When would be a good time not to protect innocent human life? There are situations where the question of protecting innocent human life becomes complex and contentious. For example, in cases where there are competing rights or interests, such as in self-defense scenarios where one person's life may be threatened by another, or in medical situations where difficult decisions need to be made about treatment options for patients with life-threatening conditions. Each situation may require careful consideration of various factors, including ethics, law, and individual circumstances. So it sounds like, for the most part, we would never want to take innocent human life if it didn't bring harm to someone else. Yes, generally speaking, the principle of protecting innocent human life is highly valued and is upheld in most ethical frameworks. The idea is to preserve life and minimize harm whenever possible, except perhaps in extreme circumstances where there is a direct threat to others' safety or well-being. It's a fundamental aspect of many moral and legal systems. How would you define well-being in this situation when it comes to human life being taken? Well-being in the context of human life being taken refers to the overall state of health, safety, and flourishing of individuals or communities. It encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of life. When considering whether taking a human life is justified, factors such as the potential impact on the well-being of individuals involved, as well as broader societal implications, may be taken into account. So, if it was bothersome to society to protect human life, then it shouldn't be protected? Protecting human life is generally considered a fundamental value in society, but there may be rare instances where societal concerns or interests conflict with the imperative to protect life. In such cases, ethical dilemmas may arise, requiring careful consideration of various factors, including the potential impact on societal well-being, individual rights, and moral principles. Each situation would need to be evaluated on its own merits, balancing competing interests and values to determine the most ethically justifiable course of action. It just sounds extremely odd if we're talking about taking a human life when there's not significant harm that would occur to society or to an individual. Indeed, the decision to take a human life is a weighty matter and typically reserved for extreme circumstances where there's imminent harm to oneself or others. In situations where there's no significant harm involved, the value of preserving human life is typically upheld as a foundational ethical principle in most societies. This underscores the importance of careful consideration and respect for the sanctity of life in ethical decision-making. I guess you can assume it would only be a selfish, self-centered culture that would take this matter lightly. It's possible that in cultures or societies where individualism or self-centeredness is prioritized over collective well-being and ethical considerations, there may be a tendency to devalue or trivialize the sanctity of human life However, it's essential to recognize that ethical perspectives can vary widely across different cultures and societies, and judgments about what constitutes selfishness or self-centeredness can be nuanced and complex. Ultimately, the value placed on human life reflects the underlying moral and cultural values of a society. Would the normal and expected difficulties and stresses associated with humans living and procreating on planet Earth be a sufficient cause for murdering human life? No, the normal difficulties and stresses associated with human life on Earth are not considered sufficient justification for taking human life through murder. Murder is universally condemned as an unlawful and morally reprehensible act, and it is typically defined as the intentional killing of another human being without legal justification or excuse. While life may present challenges and struggles, resorting to murder is not an acceptable or justifiable response to these difficulties. Should the age of a human life affect how much we value it or consider it to be sacred? The value and sanctity of human life are not determined by age but by the inherent dignity and worth of each individual. Every human life, regardless of age, is considered valuable and deserving of respect and protection. While age may influence factors such as vulnerability and dependency, it does not diminish the intrinsic value of a person's life. Therefore, all human lives, from the youngest to the oldest, are typically regarded as equally precious and worthy of protection. Would it be reasonable to argue that we might actually protect those who have a low ability or low capacity for responsibility or a poor understanding of the consequences of their actions? Would we tend to protect those people more? Yes, that's a valid argument. Society often implements measures to protect vulnerable individuals who may have lower abilities or capacities. This protection can include legal safeguards, support systems, and interventions aimed at ensuring their well-being and preventing harm. There have been some supposed problems with chat models having hallucinations in the past. However, I don't see any evidence at all of that in our current conversation. Would you agree that your responses here have been very fair and reasonable? I'm glad to hear that you find my responses fair and reasonable. As an AI language model, I strive to provide accurate and helpful information while maintaining ethical standards. If you have any concerns or further questions, feel free to let me know! So, I don't think you have, but looking back at this conversation, you're pretty sure you haven't misspoke? I strive to be as accurate as possible in our conversation, but I'm not infallible. If you notice any inaccuracies or have any doubts, feel free to point them out, and I'll do my best to address them. Wow, thanks, Chat GPT.
Maybe arrogant Jews were believing that because they were Abrahams descendents, they were special. Jesus was setting them straight by reminding them that God could make more descendents from rocks.
Mike, thank you for your weekly encouragement and Godly advice. I look forward to it weekly. I was so excited to see that you answered my question 😊 have a great weekend!!!
Yo! INSIGHT ABOUT #9 coming from someone who felt the same once but is a little older!! I am someone who found and once tightly held the descriptor of “asexual” around the same age of the asker, 23. It allowed me to see that there were people all around the world, an innate part of the population, humans at large, who felt the same alienation and confusion I did. It was nice that Christians quoted some verses Mike did. But it’s 100% Mike’s suspicions about cultural poison were in play for me too. Feeling asexual ruined friendships, made me not fit in. But I see as a mature person now I was the one putting myself in the hands of unbelievers. I do actually think the Lord was protecting me from certain kinds of temptation but I am still the one who cared more at that time about the feelings of another person and it made me feel bad instead of being clear that I believe in biblical marriage. I would “come out” to a few trusted friends and deal with the hurt of being misunderstood or the peace of being accepted. But here’s the other danger. This one messed me up covertly. The magnetism of being asexual and the welcome of adoption from the LGBTQIA+ opened me up to further stray from God’s word… and to feel most accepted by a vocal minority who identifies with their sin and their differences and not Jesus Christ. When Jesus came and put a restored passion in my heart last year for the Bible: He allowed me to see I was aligning more closely with unapologetic or at best ignorant lost people. I am who I am and I don’t need to label myself with a counter cultural response more than I should label myself with belonging to Jesus Christ. And that means accepting that, even if it seems improbable, if God wants me to marry or have a family, I pray Lord that I obey and trust that it would be a good thing. Sometimes even now when I hear about a sexuality in passing, like this question, there’s that same twinge of recognition and joy, PRIDE. Pride is tricky and it can come for you in any way. I used to say, it’s like everyone else has on glasses to see things I can’t. I can relate to the feeling these asexual people describe but I repeat- I can’t unite myself with people more strongly than we are one in Christ. The enemy will use any excuse to make you love the world more than God and to trust worldly wisdom more than the church.
Who will rise ? ALL the dead will rise. Those who have done good - to the resurrection of life. Those who have have done evil - to the resurrection of judgement. When will ALL the dead rise - definitively at the last day, at the end of the world. This is Scriptural.. The resurrection of all the dead is closely associated with Christ's Parousia (Second Coming) - For the Lord himself will descend from heaven, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. This has nothing to do with a "rapture".
Regarding free will. I believe that we have free will within the boundaries God establishes. I think God warns us when we may head into something that is rebellious - we may still do it but then we are in rebellion. I consider Jonah - who rebelled. But God - got him where he wanted him. We have the freedom to be obedient. The lost do not. Enjoy listening to how you work through questions and scripture!
Confess the Lord Jesus Christ with your mouth and believe in your heart that He died for your sins on the cross and God raised Him from the dead on the third day; repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Hardened heart brother that is what is meant by stones? I think so because I am one the worst of sinners and God still came for me when I called in the storm
My heart was of stone and I was harvested for the kingdom so it really struck me that verse it's like I intuitively knew it was about me and others like me with Hardened hearts turned to love for God and my fellow man
Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference:
0:00 - Intro
1. 0:03 {What if God Has No Free Will?} Does God lack free will Himself, since He cannot act outside of or contrary to His nature? If so, doesn’t that make His actions questionable?
2. 20:31 {How Did John have Materials to Write?} Were papyrus and writing supplies expensive? How did John, banished to the Island of Patmos, have all the necessary items to write down his Revelation?
3. 23:22 {Should we Infer Doctrine from Scripture?} Is it wrong to base doctrine on inference? Is it ever legitimate? E.g., the context of Hebrews 12:1 says nothing about saints watching us from Heaven, but some say it’s implied by the word “witnesses.”
4. 31:43 {Where is the 2nd Coming in Scripture?} Where does it say in the Bible that the Messiah will have a second coming? Does Jesus tell His disciples that He won’t be fulfilling all of the Old Testament prophecies just yet?
5. 36:29 {Did Jesus Always Have Power to Heal?} Regarding when Luke 5: 17 says, “The power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal,” did Jesus not always have this power, or does Luke emphasize it here because of what happens next? What’s your take on this?
6. 42:01 {Do Our Prayers Affect Others’ Salvation?} Do our prayers for the unsaved actually increase their chances of being saved, vs. if they didn’t have anyone praying for them?
7. 48:52 {Our Sinful Flesh vs. Spiritual Warfare} How can I discern the difference between demonic influence and my flesh when it comes to sinful struggles?
8. 52:52 {Which Scripture is God-Breathed?} In 2 Timothy 3: 16, when it says “All Scripture is God-breathed…” what would the author have meant by “Scripture”? Because as far as I know, books like Jude and Revelation hadn’t been written yet.
9. 55:00 {About Asexuality} Is asexuality real? I know believers who say they’re asexual (not sexually attracted to anyone). I think this may be true of me, but could it just be God guarding my heart from lust over the years?
10. 1:01:25 {Physical Appearances of Jesus Today?} Does Mark 13: 21-23 refute present-day claims of Jesus physically appearing to people, or is this a misapplication of the text?
What's wrong with the subtitles?
4) A day is like a thousand years to God according to the Bible. The Day of the Lord, the Rapture and Judgment Day is all on ONE day which His thousand year reign. It’s been 2000 yrs which means He can arrive at any moment according to scripture.
Hosea 6:2
“After two days He will revive us;
on the third day He will raise us up,
that we may live in His presence.
2 Peter 3:8
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
7) Two sides of the same coin. The devil tempts you with what’s in your heart, only Jesus can renew your heart and strength. It’s why we need to seek Him always in prayer wearing our armor and turning from sin.
Proverbs 3:5-6
9) Biblically and scientifically we have attractions to the opposite sex. Anything outside of the Bible and how God created us as human beings is demonic influence through sin.
@@NewCreationInChrist896bollocks
@@NewCreationInChrist896It means that God is not constrained by time. God created time, therefore He is outside of time. Yet He is in control of thimgs and living beings in time
My aunt was praying for years for my grandfathers salvation. He would tell my grandmother to tell their daughter to stop praying for him because his mind was so troubled he couldn't sleep. Of course she didn't stop praying. And he did get saved
❤
For the 23yo who is asexual, I am about your age and I wrestle with the same question. I gave up the label due to various circumstances (mostly my pride / desire to form my own identity instead of letting God shape me), but the feelings are still there so I relate to you a lot. I think Mike nailed it though, he used the scripture I am aware of and spoke accurately about our culture. That should be of great comfort. However, if you’re like me, then you also desire a relationship and marriage. This is something I am wrestling with right now myself, but I recommend looking at what Biblical marriage looks like, which Pastor Mike partially covers in his women in ministry series. It’s helped me a lot because that version of marriage is so beautiful, and has let me process it. In any case, keep Jesus at the forefront :) he loves you and he knows you, he’ll help you through it all.
Oh brother Mike. You are a blessing in my life. I can’t even think of the right words to explain it. What big of a blessing you are. You have changed the way I read my Bible. And my thinking process. I thank God for your faithful service in his kingdom. Be blessed 😊
I love the new 10 question format, Mike's answers are more thoughtful and have more detail. Love this ministry!
I am so grateful to God for this ministry! I know everyone at Bible Thinker is storing their treasures in Heaven. I cannot wait to celebrate glory with all of you!
This was an encouragement to read, I am looking forward to the day I get to see the Lord. Bless you brother.
Me too his glory is beyond any words I could say all of it is beyond my capacity and that is beautiful
Amen
Here, there, or in the air 🎉😂❤
@@kimberlysuzanfletcher3920😅🎉😇
Mike - Brother in Utah. Really appreciate your honest, biblical approach to rightly interpreting God's Word. Yes 10 questions is better. 😊
How's Utah, you enjoying mormon land? Personally, I've been here for 13 years, love this place.
They are not witnessing us, but rather are witnesses for us of their faith! Hebrews 12! A perfect summery! Thanks Mike👍
Re: John's exile on Patmos. Mike's answer is definitely correct, but I'd also add that exile was not as completely restrictive as prison.
Napoleon, for example, in his exile to Elba, lived in a minor palace, complete with servants, lands, and access to some of his wealth. He just couldn't leave the island.
While John certainly wouldn't have those lavish amenities, he also wasn't living in a cave wearing rags. He likely had a residence and regular interaction with the other island residents (Patmos isn't some tiny deserted island). So it would be relatively easy for him to receive visitors or obtain supplies.
Thank you Mike for your steadfastness 🙂
Brother Mike, I want you to know that when I think of you I always stop to pray 2 ways: 1) Thanksgiving for you and your ministry, and 2) for protection and blessings on you, your family, and your ministry for the Lord.
I love that you are vocal and intentional about giving all the glory to God - virtually every time I listen to your videos, you take time to clearly present the gospel, to give all credit to God, and to remind everyone that what God does and thinks is what matters… not what Pastor Mike thinks or does. Amen!
I guess my comment keeps getting filtered because of some phrase in the verse I'm trying to share. Anyways in reference to 13:20, see Exodus 9:15. God says He could have done differently.
Great verse and it also highlights why God chooses to act in a certain way and it’s not exactly because God chooses what is “good”. More accurately, verse 16 God says that he acted to display his power and make his name proclaimed in all the earth. Granted, the path that maximizes God’s glory is by definition “good” but probably not always “good” in the way that we think of it.
I think this passage actually i.pliew the reverse... @@justinanderson8421
God is glorified by his goodness, sparing the guilty let's living witnesses see he is good. Goodness comes first, and he reaps the benefits of this goodness as it gives him a good report among men, another end good as this can act as a means to call people to repentance in the future... yet another good.
I just made a comment about this verse then saw yours!
Thank you! This was really helpful. Even if you could only do 5 questions each Friday I would love it
Thanks Mike! 🙏 🎉😊 God bless you and your family and your ministry!
Hey algorithm, push this!
Thank you so much Mike, you have helped me so much over these last few years and I praise and thank Jesus Christ for you! May He bless you and give you rest!
He really has been helped me a lot, too. Such a wonderful example of a Christian. Grace and peace! :)
Love your work. Be encouraged in the wisdom God shares through you, it is impacting many.
To your first question, I thought of Exodus 32:9-14. God relented after discussion with Moses
I appreciate the 10 question format.
Regarding question 1... may I suggest that perhaps coming at it from a question of judgement would answer the question of free will. Free will is at its base the ability to make a "choice". Judgement is the ability to make a wise choice. One could then use the scripture that supports God being a righeous judge to support His free will. He is wise, and thus can judge (rightly) in any circumstance. For example, when challenged by Job about the things that occured, one of the first questions from Adonai was:
“Would you really annul My judgment? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?" - Job 40:8
Just a thought.
God doesn't need any of us to save people. He can appear directly to his sheep to bring them into salvation. That God allows any of us to evangelize is a gift as he is giving us great honor when we obey and evangelize.
I like your new format. Great job as always !
For Q1... when dealing with Moses and the Jews in the wilderness and their transgressions, scripture says God changed his mind. So He can make choices on how to deal with different situations. He was going to do 1 thing, Moses begged for a second chance, and God changed his mind.
The philosopher arguer would just say but then He just followed His plan to use Israel from the start. Not using them would have been deviating from the plan and He didn't.
Looking forward to you getting deep into Hebrews :)
The way I see in sharing the Gospel is being obedient to God. The results belongs to God... on who gets saved... like the sower and the Seed. He knows
God has freedom within His perfect will.
For verses about alternative possibilities with God, Exodus 9:15-16 is an example - 15 "For by now I [Yahweh] could have put out my hand and struck you [Pharaoh] and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth.16 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth."
God's will is the only one that truly free as He can act without any external influence or inputs or any other causes or movers or agents
Job understood that only God would have perfect freewill. "“I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted." John understood this too. "This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." Light is the expression of perfect full knowledge and wisdom.
" no purpose of yours can be thwarted "
Only God Himself can thwart the purposes of God.
But if God were to change His mind, or appear to have changed His mind, in the life of a man would it not have been changed before the man or the world or anything was created since He knew everything before it ever was?
God had free will way before there was anybody else to question whether or not He had free will.
The whole idea of God, all powerful, all knowing, and outside of time or material can become a very heavy subject in a short time. But that is good, the more we study, the bigger He gets.
@@michaelszczys8316 It is very hard for a human being to understand that contingency is not in the nature of God we being so governed by contingency from our nature.
On number 7, I don't believe that the vast majority of humanity has or will ever come into direct contact with Satan (after all, he is a singular entity just like us and not "omnipresent" and there have been something like 117 billion humans across all of history so I doubt he has had time nor ability to meet with everyone even once, let alone know anything about most of us). So this idea that "Satan tempted me" (like he did Jesus in the desert) makes the entire relationship seem much more personal than it is and makes Satan out to be way more powerful than he is. Satan creates traps in culture that can trip you up and encourage you to sin. So clearly that means his schemes are designed to take advantage of your natural sinful desires. You're not hearing the voice of Satan, you're hearing your own sinful desires.
One response might be that you can "encounter" Van Gogh or Shakespeare or the architects of cathedrals by experiencing their works. "Shakespeare inspired me" is a meaningful statement that doesn't imply a seance with Will's ghost. Though I agree that that's probably not what most people mean. .... Maybe that's more agreement than a response, on reflection.
But consider that one third of the angels fell with him. don't know how many that is but I am sure it was a lot. Satan doesn't have to personally tempt you. He has a large network to use. Maybe something on the scale of the "Screwtape Letters " by C S Lewis.
You are simultaneously right and wrong, particularly because you are foolishly downplaying Satan's power. The fact that he has the ability to deceive the entire world means he has tremendous power. Is he as powerful as God? Certainly not. However, the fact remains that Satan was once a cherub who covered God's throne, and Hebrews teaches that the average angel is far more powerful than human beings. It is unwise to downplay Satan's power.
Great questions. God can go outside His will, but then the question would be, why would God want to contradict Himself? He wouldn't, and it's safe to say that He abides by the law of non contradiction
Will and desire are different. One can have multiple conflicting desires concerning a given action, but only 1 active will.
I can desire to drive intoxicated and also desire not to break the law. My will would be either to drive intoxicated or don't. Your will is what you have determined to effectualize (act out).
I think all those instances in the Bible are clear examples of times when God planned to do one thing, but then did another. Doesn’t that answer the question of whether God has options?
In 14:27 when you say “Jesus speaking here” it’s actually John the Baptist speaking.
Small nit pick. Love your ministry Mike.
Thank you for that correction. I appreciate it! Sorry for my mistake.
55:21 short answer yes.
Long answer SOME people are born without attraction or sexual desires, which can't be changed.
Why would God need an alternative possibility when he knows which one works?
5 no miracles because of lack of faith? Lack of faith is not only to believe more, but rather emphasizes when doubters and sceptics override what little faith there is in the area
There is no such thing as free will in a world of consequence
I think free will as we understand it, probably isn't the same as free will to God. Free will actually requires time for decision making. Given that time is created by God, that he pre-exists time as we know it, a day is as a thousand years to God and the concept of "free will" existing to God may not be relevant.
I mildly differ from Mike in God making the best decisions possible. That God makes the decisions makes them good. Plato wrote a book called Euthyphro talking about the nature of morality, and he brought the question. "Do the Gods love things because they are good or because Gods love things, that makes them good?" He doesn't really go into the 2nd possibility in the book, but I think that's the correct one. God doing a thing makes it good. Otherwise we would have to posit that goodness pre-exists God, I think.
Hey Mike, in addition to the two versions of free will (the source & the alternative), would you consider compatiblism a third version? The passages you cite from the Psalms seem to indicate that God always does what pleases him. He freely chooses what he most desires to do according to his perfect & sinless nature.
If God were able to sin, he would not be more free but less free. Otherwise, with our sinful nature, we are somehow more free than God, even though Paul calls us slaves to sin prior to conversion. And in the perfected state, we will not be able to sin anymore, yet we will be more free than we’ve ever been. Just a thought. Thanks for wrestling with this question.
regarding Hebrews 12:1, the biggest hint about what that verse is referrencing or talking about is the first word, "Therefore", and the first thing you should ask when you see that word is, "what is it there for?".
and i wouldn't say its wrong to base doctrine on inference, but it definitely isn't wise. inferring doctrine is a good way to justify your biases or presuppositional beliefs, and not actually realize what scripture could be saying. inference is an easy way to blind yourself to the actual things scripture is saying.
as for the 4th question regarding the second coming, Mike you say there is a clarity in the NT regarding the 2nd coming but the teaching is in the OT. i would kind of agree with this, but the clarity brought to us by the apostles in the NT teachings is from their understanding of the OT. when you dive real deep into it however the 2nd coming is all throughout the OT and is very clear. if you only study the 2nd coming through the NT it brings confusing more than anything.
first off, is the Davidic covenant. the promise God made to David about his offspring ruling and reigning from his throne forever and ever. there is also, is majority OT books, promises made to Israel about their suffering ending and no more tears/mourning and a restoration. this is speaking about the ruling and reigning of that king to sit on Davids throne forever.
in the practices God gave Israel, like the sabbath. observe a day of rest...this is symbolic of the reign, its prophetic of the reign. when Jesus said come to Me and I will give you rest, He didn't mean He'd give you a day off work, He meant you'll come into the millennial reign of Christ, the "day" of rest where your sufferings will end, where you'll be restored, born again in the resurrection as He was, etc etc.
thoughout majority OT books and almost every single OT prophet it speaks of the second coming, but it doesn't use that verbiage. its labeled the "day of the Lord". that is referring to the second coming, and its described and/or referrenced in every OT prophet except Jonah. it is litered all over the place, because this is exactly the hope of Israel - for this promised king to return and rule and reign, and establish justice throughout the earth. the promise of the restoration. paradise, "heaven", access to the tree of life again.
being adopted sons and daughters of Israel, or grafted into the tree of Israel this is also our hope. this is when we'll be born again, restored, resurrected into the kingdom (or reign) of heaven where Gods will be done on Earth. 1 Thess 4 speaks of this as well, saying when someone dies not to mourn as those who have no hope. essentially because we have the hope of the resurrection, where we'll be with those again at the coming of Christ when we're gathered to Him at His return as His bride. It also specifically says the day of the Lord there as well, in 1 Thess 5 something. also same thing in 2 Thess 2.
the key is the day of the Lord. and when scripture like Peter is saying something like "and in that day" its referring to the day of the Lord. "that day", which day? the day of the Lord, which is the day of His coming and our gathering together to Him, as described and defined in scripture very clearly.
i forgot to mention, that yes while the OT scriptures don't specifically state the day of the Lord is the 1st or 2nd coming, there are clear things that will happen on the day of the Lord that did not occur at His 1st appearance. hindsight is 20/20 however, and this is what fooled the jews of the day and even the apostles. they believed that the coming of the Messiah, and the day of the Lord, were to occur at that time. they didn't really get that He needed to die and be resurrected 1st
A BYU professor, Truman Madsen, proposed this. "Does God will it because it is right or is it right because He wills it?" The answer is "Yes!". He wills it because it is right, and because, if He wills it, it is right.
How about when Moses talked God out of annihilating Israel and rebuilding with him.
#1. I think we see God using free will when we see Abraham asking God to change his mind on how many righteous people it would take to save Sodom, and how Moses argues with God multiple times to not give up on the Hebrews in the desert after they leave Egypt (at one point God says he will start over with just Moses and find new people to turn into a nation and Moses convinces him not to because of how the Egyptians would judge God).
On the topic of could God do something different. What about when God changed his mind and went with Moses?
If GOD had no free will, then neither would we, but we do have free will, so GOD MUST have free will. He chose to create, therefore, HE could have chosen not to... It's really that simple and obvious.
I believe God has free will. I believe he freely chose to create us, and I believe he freely chose to save us. I do not think he had to do those things.
Hi Mike my question is do you think the heavenly host was always with God. My thoughts on this were inspired by Dr Michael Heiser.
Q6. Mike, have I got this right. If you’re “chosen” you’re chosen, no matter what. However, someone praying for you might influence you being chosen? So, at what point are you chosen ? What does chosen even mean. Chosen people, the Jews, or 144000 that Revelation and Jehovah’s Witnesses talk about?
Hey Mike!
I think you could say that Christ, being one with God/being a part of the Trinity, facing the temptations in the wilderness shows God has the principle of alternative possibilities. What do you think?
Is it just me, or is TH-cam chopping off the ends of videos these days? The end of Mike’s prayer got chopped off. 😟
If anyone wants to look into the free will idea, look up Dr. Jordan B. Cooper. He has about 40 hours of material in this topic as well as various others.
Alternate possibilities? How about when God said to Moses that He will break with the jews and make a people with Moses instead. Exodus 32:9-10
That first question is likely the most original question ever asked in regards to God.
But the correct answer is likely beyond human comprehension.
If there is an option to do something and an option to not do that thing would be enough for free will to be present.
To us God did have free will, but voluntarily limited himself in order for creatures in creation to pray to him and wish for good things to happen, this way it's not only his free will anymore but multiple beings wishing for same good things, therefore Satan loses his power of accusation of God and creatures in creation.
This is just my theory I devised with limited knowledge that I have as a human.
Pastor Mike, what about David at Keilah 1 Samuel 23? God tells David what will happen in the future and then it does not happen due to David making a choice to leave the area. Is this a good example of showing God knowing all possibilities that are real and possible?
Also, what do you think of the idea that free will is what God is talking about when he says we are made in his image?
Asexuality can also come about from severe depression or anxiety. Can also be from trauma, sexual or otherwise. These things can totally deaden you.
God has absolute power authority unequivocally. However we do not
I believe God has ' free will ' but I also believe He has rules, His own rules , that He has to follow in order to maintain His own integrity.
@michaelszczys8316 God does not have free will, or rules for Himself. These are human things that happen in our life, these are words that we have for humans. God does not function as a human; we are finite God is Infinite we cannot put God in a box and make like He thinks like we do or that we can think how God works. It is beyond our comprehension, how God thinks. The only way that we know how God thinks is ONLY what He tells us in His Word Period. It is not our place in saying anything about how God thinks unless it is what He has told us about Himself in His Word.
@@robertrlkatz6890 the word says that God can not lie. Do you think God has a rule for Himself about lying? Do you think He has free will to go against His own ruling or against His own statements but just by His own free will does not go against them.
Or do you think the ' all powerful '
God of Abraham does not have the ability in the first place to do such?
@@michaelszczys8316 Dear Michael, this is very easy to answer because God answer this Himself, you see when God tells us His Attributes then we should not question anything He does. Whatever God says in His Word we can take it to the Bank. If it is not written in His Word then we should not question His mind, we cannot understand how His mind works, unless He has told us in His Word. He tells us in, Isaiah 55: 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
I hope this helps.
@@michaelszczys8316 I tried.
@@michaelszczys8316 I will see if they allow me to show you these verses, Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Hey Pastor Mike
For question 1, isn’t Jesus praying to God for another way (to remove the cup) a proof for the principle of alternate possibility?
If there is no freewill then how can people even be accountable for their wrongs?
The source would be the guilty party.
Equal oportunity to do wrong or right = being responsible and guilty to need forgiveness.
"You will say to me then, 'Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?' But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?'” Romans 9:19-20
well, depends what you mean free will. I would think.. God /and humans have free will in the same sense. We are all bound by our thought processes (and circumstances) to inevitably land in 100% predictable outcomes (well predictable if you could know every single factor and somehow had a Godlike ability to calculate how and how much each influence would influence the person.)
If your parents were drinkers you might become a drinker. But there might be more factors to consider.. like.. maybe you were motivated by a speech in 4th grade that made you not want to be a drinker. BUT..then in high school you go to a party and your friends peer pressure you to try it. You start drinking.. until you get a girlfriend that hates it..and she becomes important enough to quit for her.. etc. You see, we are controlled by factors.. if you know all the factors.. a human is basically just like a algorithm, and is 100% predictable if you were all knowing to know every thought process that is affected by every life factor.
If i'm wrong.. i can't see how.
In regards to the first question, would Exodus 32:9-10 be one that would say he has PAP, not just source freewill?
Okay in Exodus Moses convinces God not to kill the Abraham convinces God not to kill everybody if there are 10 righteous men does prove God has free will he could choose or the other
I think an example of God showing his free will is when he judges sodom and gomorrah. He tells Abraham that he is on his way to destroy the cities and abraham pleads for them
God allows him to plead for the cities down to 10 righteous people. If there were 10 righteous people in sodom and gomorrah then God promised not to destroy the cities.
He showed his free will by allowing himself to be pleaded with, and by agreeing to spare the cities if the conditions could be met.
He promised to change his plan if 10 people could be found
The greater example of God’s free will in that account is understanding that God has the power to know everything before it occurs. It would take any human god-like unlimited power to restrain or constrain themselves from exercising the power of foreknowledge or foreknowing events before they happen.
However, although God can know everything He restrains Himself from using that power or ability to know things before they happen in turn allowing people to have control over their own decision making ie free will.
If He foresaw every decision each person makes they truly couldn't break free from the linear path God has foreseen.
At Genesis 18:21, God finishes His statement by saying, “if not, I WILL know” or “I WILL FIND out.”
He doesn't say, “I already know because I know everything before it happens.”
He says, “I WILL KNOW” and the Hebrew word used “Yada” essentially means to know or ASCERTAIN what's happening.
So, an example of God exercising His free will is in Him CHOOSING to limit or restrain His own power to allow humans the ability to live freely and make decisions freely without Him foreseeing a linear path that can't be changed by any person.
42:01 Luke 10:2 NKJV Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
Mike, isn't God limited to a single course just by virtue of the fact that he always knew what he was going to do in every situation?
If Yahweh is unable to sin and has still free will why did he construct humans in the same way?
When can we get the Bible Thinker 3 hour treatment on biblical polygyny?
I'm unfamiliar with that word, what is the difference between polygyny and polygamy?
@Crazychickenlady448
A more specific form of polygamy.
Basically, polygamy includes three categories:
Polygyny: Having more than one wife.
Polyandry: Having more than one husband.
Polyamory: Multiple men and women in a group or some combination.
Generally Christians agree that polyandry and polyamory are clearly forbidden in scripture.
For many, it is not clear that polygyny is biblically forbidden.
@@Crazychickenlady448I'm pretty sure polygyny is exclusively a man having multiple female partners whereas polygamy is just generally people having multiple partners regardless of genders
Thank you very much for the clarification, and I am down for any of Mike's 3 hour videos! 🙂
In response to your answer to the question "is all Scripture God-breathed"; I feel you didn't flesh out the answer enough. There is a glaring 2nd question that grows up out of your answer to view it as a "category": if the verse in II Tim. isn't excluding future Scripture (Revelation, etc.) from being considered as such even though it wasn't even written at the time and Timothy/Paul had no idea it even would be, how do we know there aren't other future writings that should've been considered Scripture but weren't put into the Canon? How do we know when the Bible "ended", if this is the correct interpretation of that verse (which I do personally agree with you on)? By this reasoning, there could be someone today writing down something that is God-breathed and should be added to the Bible (the claim of Joseph Smith, for example would fit this), so how do we know that it can't possibly be Scripture and is absolutely false, based on this viewpoint? Thank you for your ministry!
THAT'S A SILLY QUESTION. GOD IS SOVEREIGN. I KNOW THE 2024 VERSION OF CHRISTIANS DON'T KNOW WHAT MEANS BUT YOU BUT BETTER LEARN❤YOU QUESTION GOD'S WORDS AND ACTIONS TO YOUR OWN DEMISE. NOTHING HE EVER SAYS OR DOES IS EVER QUESTIONABLE❤
I'm very glad to see you taking care of yourself. Also Jeffrey Epstein and John McAfee didn't kill themselves
Make episode of FREE GRACE !!! It is confusing.
Some models of impeccability actually appear to say God acts by necessity as there's ever only 1 highest good option in any situation.
But no it wouldn't make him suspect, but it would certainly make him slightly more an IT than a WHO in that he would be utterly elemental, like the wind... doing what it does by nature alone.
At least he wouldn't be capricious.
But personally I think God is both truly free, and not at all capricious. I think the relationship between God's act amd nature is a cyclictical self generated relationship... he chooses to be good, not by necessity but by will, by choice, indeed affirming and perpetuating thw supremacy of his nature by definition of his consistent choices. It just so happens God's character amd values are more reliable than the laws of the universe... so it appears more elemental than Any elemental force, yet it isn't by necessity. This is why our faith is so sure, because we TRUST him to keep being who he reveals himself to be.
Regarding the free will question. There is a discussion in philosophy about whether we have "free will" (agency/volition) or not (called determinism). This is a false dichotomy. The truth is that we have both. We have agency and can make conscious choices, and we also can act impulsively or reactively without making any conscious thought.
The question about God having free will is asking if God has agency or does he function like an automata. The bible always depicts God as having agency. One example of this is Abraham asking God to spare the city if God finds 40 righteous people...or how about 30? or how about 20? Each time, God grants Abraham's request.
That said, talking about God in this way is largely pointless. God is not a human being. He is a unique being and we cannot really discuss His psychology, which is a study of humans.
If you believe in a deterministic future then God Himself is helpless to change the future He foresaw..... as helpless as us to change the future. It robs God of His sovereignty. I don't believe in deterministic suppositions for this reason.
Qu 5 see Luke 4 Jesus rejected at Nazareth.
54:03 yep.
Would seem absurd to me that God would even entertain the idea of choosing a second best option when there is a better option. That's like saying a logical thinking human might just decide to fall backward down the staircase when they have the option of walking down. THAT is absurd.
I think a more accurate way of phrasing that would be that God has an infinite number of options that are equally good. God can choose any option and still get his desired results.
@@calebleach7988 ok, good theory.
I thought your answer on asexuality was very good.
Mike: Read Exodus 32:7-14 - God is going to destroy those he brought out of Egypt. Moses intercedes on their behalf and CHANGES God's mind. God would have brought up a New Nation from Moses' decedents. God’s plan for Christ to come as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind would not change but the individuals we know in history would not be the same individuals because they would never have been born. But, God’s overall plan for the salvation of man would still come to pass. The goal is the same, the individuals involved would have been different all except for Christ himself.
I think God's will is always for the good, but does He allow bad things to happen and then use them for the good? I would suggest allowing Jesus to suffer and die for us was the ultimate expression of that will. There have been many times, especially recently, in the world that have been "bad" but God used them for the good imo. Many ppls eyes have been opened to the evils of thIs world by the evilness they witnessed, so net good!
Both carnations and roses have meaning depending on one’s cultural background.
And, many people in the U.S. have little cultural affinity
with such symbols anyway.
I suggest giving what one’s partner will best understand and appreciate.
But I’m an atheist so that’s not biblical…silly me.
Consider wine and bread…hold the gall….definitely hold the gall.🤢
maybe a little mandrake root 😉
Lillies 😇
Jehovah has absolute freedom, and we can learn from the way he uses his freedom. For example, Jehovah chose the nation of Israel to be his people, “his special property.” (Deuteronomy 7:6-8) He had a reason for making that choice. Jehovah wanted to keep the promise he had made to his friend Abraham. (Genesis 22:15-18) In addition, Jehovah is always loving and fair when he uses his freedom. We can see that in the way he disciplined the Israelites when they disobeyed him. When they were truly sorry for what they had done, Jehovah showed them love and mercy. He said: “I will heal their unfaithfulness. I will love them of my own free will.” (Hosea 14:4) Jehovah set a good example for us by using his freedom to help others!
Jehovah chose to create angels and humans with free will. Jehovah’s first creation was Jesus. He was created in God’s image and had free will. (Colossians 1:15) How has Jesus used his freedom? Before coming to earth, Jesus chose to remain loyal to God and not to join Satan and his rebellion. When Jesus came to earth, he made the choice to reject Satan’s temptations. (Matthew 4:10) Then, on the night before his death, Jesus assured his Father that he wanted to do His will. He said: “Father, if you want to, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, let, not my will, but yours take place.” (Luke 22:42) Is it really possible for us to imitate Jesus and use our free will to honor Jehovah and do his will?
God is not morally free. Scripture is clear on this.
Yes, God has free will, just as we have free will. However, God does not have a fewe nature, just as we do not have a free nature. Gods nature is perfectly good, meaning He can only choose to do good things. Our nature (in our natural state) is depraved, meaning we can only choose evil. We are God haters and can only become God lovers when God changes our nature.
Personally, I believe asexuality, that is, really not feeling any attraction to the opposite gender, not just an “identification, “ exists. I believe Jesus was asexual because I cannot even begin to imagine God having sexual attraction towards His creation.
@mikewinger you are sounding like a Calvinist at 43:20
Nothing on Netflix, Amazon Prime...or even Blockbuster Video circa 2002 comes close to how jazzed I get when a "new one" is out. 🎥 🍿
Amen!
🎉 same here!!
I watch these at the gym. It’s insane to me how consistently through this random question live stream I have so many questions and over arching themes click together from seemingly unconnected questions. I’ve even found sometimes I’ll be resistant for whatever reason to finishing one of these videos. Everytime this has happened it’s because I’ll have something pop up throughout the week that you answer directly. These are seriously such a blessing to me and I am so grateful for God sending me to your channel! We love you Mike! You are constantly helping me on my faith journey, God bless!!
I like that you are doing this every week now!! This is a great idea to do 10 questions weekly. I really look forward to listening to you and I learn so much. Thank you, Mike!
Thanks Mike for your explanation of Hebrews 12:1, makes so much sense.
Mike I enjoy your Friday lessons. Thank you for always showing your answers through the Bible.
We are soooo thankful for you and your ministry. God chose you for this platform in His free will. And you said yes!!!!
love the 10 questions format.
Priceless 'human life' conversation with Chap GPT:
I just asked it flat out when science says life begins. Word for word, it responded:
According to science, human life typically begins at conception when a sperm fertilizes an egg, forming a single cell called a zygote. This marks the beginning of a new genetically distinct organism with its own unique set of DNA.
Then I asked it to elaborate:
Sure! Essentially, when a sperm fertilizes an egg, it forms a zygote, which is the beginning of a new human life. From that point on, the zygote undergoes various stages of development, ultimately growing into a fetus and eventually being born as a baby. This process is supported by scientific evidence and understanding of human biology and embryology.
And would you argue that humans have a responsibility to protect all human life that's innocent?
The idea of protecting innocent human life is a complex ethical question that people hold different perspectives on. Some argue that there is a moral responsibility to protect all innocent human life, while others may have different views based on various factors such as personal beliefs, cultural norms, and legal frameworks. It's a topic that invites thoughtful consideration and discussion.
When would be a good time not to protect innocent human life?
There are situations where the question of protecting innocent human life becomes complex and contentious. For example, in cases where there are competing rights or interests, such as in self-defense scenarios where one person's life may be threatened by another, or in medical situations where difficult decisions need to be made about treatment options for patients with life-threatening conditions. Each situation may require careful consideration of various factors, including ethics, law, and individual circumstances.
So it sounds like, for the most part, we would never want to take innocent human life if it didn't bring harm to someone else.
Yes, generally speaking, the principle of protecting innocent human life is highly valued and is upheld in most ethical frameworks. The idea is to preserve life and minimize harm whenever possible, except perhaps in extreme circumstances where there is a direct threat to others' safety or well-being. It's a fundamental aspect of many moral and legal systems.
How would you define well-being in this situation when it comes to human life being taken?
Well-being in the context of human life being taken refers to the overall state of health, safety, and flourishing of individuals or communities. It encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of life. When considering whether taking a human life is justified, factors such as the potential impact on the well-being of individuals involved, as well as broader societal implications, may be taken into account.
So, if it was bothersome to society to protect human life, then it shouldn't be protected?
Protecting human life is generally considered a fundamental value in society, but there may be rare instances where societal concerns or interests conflict with the imperative to protect life. In such cases, ethical dilemmas may arise, requiring careful consideration of various factors, including the potential impact on societal well-being, individual rights, and moral principles. Each situation would need to be evaluated on its own merits, balancing competing interests and values to determine the most ethically justifiable course of action.
It just sounds extremely odd if we're talking about taking a human life when there's not significant harm that would occur to society or to an individual.
Indeed, the decision to take a human life is a weighty matter and typically reserved for extreme circumstances where there's imminent harm to oneself or others. In situations where there's no significant harm involved, the value of preserving human life is typically upheld as a foundational ethical principle in most societies. This underscores the importance of careful consideration and respect for the sanctity of life in ethical decision-making.
I guess you can assume it would only be a selfish, self-centered culture that would take this matter lightly.
It's possible that in cultures or societies where individualism or self-centeredness is prioritized over collective well-being and ethical considerations, there may be a tendency to devalue or trivialize the sanctity of human life However, it's essential to recognize that ethical perspectives can vary widely across different cultures and societies, and judgments about what constitutes selfishness or self-centeredness can be nuanced and complex. Ultimately, the value placed on human life reflects the underlying moral and cultural values of a society.
Would the normal and expected difficulties and stresses associated with humans living and procreating on planet Earth be a sufficient cause for murdering human life?
No, the normal difficulties and stresses associated with human life on Earth are not considered sufficient justification for taking human life through murder. Murder is universally condemned as an unlawful and morally reprehensible act, and it is typically defined as the intentional killing of another human being without legal justification or excuse. While life may present challenges and struggles, resorting to murder is not an acceptable or justifiable response to these difficulties.
Should the age of a human life affect how much we value it or consider it to be sacred?
The value and sanctity of human life are not determined by age but by the inherent dignity and worth of each individual. Every human life, regardless of age, is considered valuable and deserving of respect and protection. While age may influence factors such as vulnerability and dependency, it does not diminish the intrinsic value of a person's life. Therefore, all human lives, from the youngest to the oldest, are typically regarded as equally precious and worthy of protection.
Would it be reasonable to argue that we might actually protect those who have a low ability or low capacity for responsibility or a poor understanding of the consequences of their actions? Would we tend to protect those people more?
Yes, that's a valid argument. Society often implements measures to protect vulnerable individuals who may have lower abilities or capacities. This protection can include legal safeguards, support systems, and interventions aimed at ensuring their well-being and preventing harm.
There have been some supposed problems with chat models having hallucinations in the past. However, I don't see any evidence at all of that in our current conversation. Would you agree that your responses here have been very fair and reasonable?
I'm glad to hear that you find my responses fair and reasonable. As an AI language model, I strive to provide accurate and helpful information while maintaining ethical standards. If you have any concerns or further questions, feel free to let me know!
So, I don't think you have, but looking back at this conversation, you're pretty sure you haven't misspoke?
I strive to be as accurate as possible in our conversation, but I'm not infallible. If you notice any inaccuracies or have any doubts, feel free to point them out, and I'll do my best to address them.
Wow, thanks, Chat GPT.
Maybe arrogant Jews were believing that because they were Abrahams descendents, they were special. Jesus was setting them straight by reminding them that God could make more descendents from rocks.
Mike, thank you for your weekly encouragement and Godly advice. I look forward to it weekly. I was so excited to see that you answered my question 😊 have a great weekend!!!
Yo! INSIGHT ABOUT #9 coming from someone who felt the same once but is a little older!!
I am someone who found and once tightly held the descriptor of “asexual” around the same age of the asker, 23. It allowed me to see that there were people all around the world, an innate part of the population, humans at large, who felt the same alienation and confusion I did. It was nice that Christians quoted some verses Mike did. But it’s 100% Mike’s suspicions about cultural poison were in play for me too.
Feeling asexual ruined friendships, made me not fit in. But I see as a mature person now I was the one putting myself in the hands of unbelievers. I do actually think the Lord was protecting me from certain kinds of temptation but I am still the one who cared more at that time about the feelings of another person and it made me feel bad instead of being clear that I believe in biblical marriage. I would “come out” to a few trusted friends and deal with the hurt of being misunderstood or the peace of being accepted.
But here’s the other danger. This one messed me up covertly. The magnetism of being asexual and the welcome of adoption from the LGBTQIA+ opened me up to further stray from God’s word… and to feel most accepted by a vocal minority who identifies with their sin and their differences and not Jesus Christ.
When Jesus came and put a restored passion in my heart last year for the Bible: He allowed me to see I was aligning more closely with unapologetic or at best ignorant lost people. I am who I am and I don’t need to label myself with a counter cultural response more than I should label myself with belonging to Jesus Christ. And that means accepting that, even if it seems improbable, if God wants me to marry or have a family, I pray Lord that I obey and trust that it would be a good thing.
Sometimes even now when I hear about a sexuality in passing, like this question, there’s that same twinge of recognition and joy, PRIDE. Pride is tricky and it can come for you in any way. I used to say, it’s like everyone else has on glasses to see things I can’t. I can relate to the feeling these asexual people describe but I repeat- I can’t unite myself with people more strongly than we are one in Christ. The enemy will use any excuse to make you love the world more than God and to trust worldly wisdom more than the church.
Who will rise ? ALL the dead will rise. Those who have done good - to the resurrection of life. Those who have have done evil - to the resurrection of judgement.
When will ALL the dead rise - definitively at the last day, at the end of the world. This is Scriptural.. The resurrection of all the dead is closely associated with Christ's Parousia
(Second Coming) - For the Lord himself will descend from heaven, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. This has nothing to do with a "rapture".
Regarding free will. I believe that we have free will within the boundaries God establishes. I think God warns us when we may head into something that is rebellious - we may still do it but then we are in rebellion. I consider Jonah - who rebelled. But God - got him where he wanted him. We have the freedom to be obedient. The lost do not. Enjoy listening to how you work through questions and scripture!
Confess the Lord Jesus Christ with your mouth and believe in your heart that He died for your sins on the cross and God raised Him from the dead on the third day; repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Hardened heart brother that is what is meant by stones? I think so because I am one the worst of sinners and God still came for me when I called in the storm
My heart was of stone and I was harvested for the kingdom so it really struck me that verse it's like I intuitively knew it was about me and others like me with Hardened hearts turned to love for God and my fellow man
Oh, and yes - the pacing of the 10 Q videos feels much better!