Episode Highlights:
– We should be gracious regarding others’ convictions.
– Heb 10:24-25 regarding not neglecting the gathering of the saints, likely has in view those who for selfish or immature reasons do not engage in meaningful relationships with other believers.
– We should not view government guidelines as anti-Christian persecution, but measures intended to preserve life, which we should champion.
– Our consciences should not bother us as long as we are worshipping via livestream in our homes and engaging with one another for the purpose of encouragement and edification.
– Committed believers know this is temporary and can’t wait to get back to church.
Episode 145: Hand-raising in worship?
Episode Highlights:
– The Bible both depicts and commands lifting our hands to the Lord in prayer and worship. (Psa 63:4; 134:2; 1 Tim 2:8)
– Our discomfort with this expression of worship is likely more cultural than biblical.
– Those who want to raise their hands should do so, unconcerned about any biblical expression of worship being a distraction to others.
– We should all give grace to the consciences of others around us on this issue.
Episode 144: Does it matter how our bodies are treated when we die?
Episode Highlights
– The Bible indicates that it is a blessing for one’s remains to be well cared for. (Gen 49:29, Exo 13:19)
– The Bible indicates that it is a curse to have one’s remains dishonored in any way. (Jer 16:4; 1 Kings 21:19, 23)
– The human body has been bestowed with dignity by God. (2 Cor 5:4; Phil 3:21; 1 Cor 6:13)
– Historically, the burning of remains has been associated not with Christian practice, but with paganism.
Episode 143: What should do if I know that my friend’s child is involved in sinful activity?
Episode Highlights:
– The Bible clearly teaches about the destructive power of sin (Rom 6:23; 1 Peter 2:11, 5:8)
– NT passages giving instruction about how to help people in sin present a principle we might call “escalating confrontation.” (Matt 18:15-18; 1 Cor 5)
– To not escalate the confrontation by bringing the parents into the circle would be unloving and would allow sin to continue to have its way with the child.
Episode 142: Taking up an offense? Part 3
Episode Highlights:
– There is no biblical category for taking up an offense in the sense that the offender is required to ask my forgiveness for sinning against my friend or loved on.
– There is nothing wrong with being angry/offended by another sinning against my loved one…as long as I obey Eph 4:26-27 and put that anger away in a timely manner.
– Our impulse as believers should be the pursuit of reconciliation (Matt 5:23-24; 18:15; Phil 4:2-3)
Episode 141: Taking up an offense? Part 2
Episode Highlights:
– Forgiveness is not synonymous with putting away your anger and pain caused by another’s sin. Eph 4:26-27, 31-32
– Our anger/pain should be dealt with very quickly, whether the person has repented or not, whether there is reconciliation or not. Eph 4:26-27
– Biblical forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a commitment, a promise.
– Biblical forgiveness is a matter of obedience. Luke 17:3-4
Episode 140: Taking up an offense? Part 1
Episode Highlights:
– Our forgiveness should be patterned after God’s. (Eph 4:32; Col 3:13)
– Forgiveness should be gracious, but costly. (Rom 5:6-6; 1 John 4:10)
– Forgiveness should be conditioned upon repentance. (1 John 1:9; John 17:3-4; Matt 18:15-17)
– Forgiveness is a promise not to use another’s sin against them. (Rom 4:7-8; Jer 31:34; Isa 43:25).
– Forgiveness is done with a view toward reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:17-18)
– Forgiveness may not remove all consequences. (2 Sam 12:1-23; Psalm 51)
