Category Archives: Truth&Circumstances

Episode 167: Counseling a child regarding assurance?

Episode Highlights The Bible doesn’t point to our conversion experience as a source of assurance. The Bible does point to spiritual growth as a source of assurance. (2 Peter 1:5-10) We can help our children by making sure they understand the distinctions between justification and sanctification. We can help our children by helping them toContinue reading “Episode 167: Counseling a child regarding assurance?”

Episode 166: Another trial after the 1,000 year reign?

Episode Highlights: A premillennialist might say that it depends upon who “we” is. Glorified believers reigning with Christ likely will not have to endure. Unglorified believers who survived the tribulation likely will. Believers born during the millennium definitely will. A problem with a premillennial understanding of Rev 20 is that it requires death to existContinue reading “Episode 166: Another trial after the 1,000 year reign?”

Episode 165: How do I answer my kids’ questions about my past?

Episode Highlights: Tell the truth. Our authority comes from the Lord, not from our perfectly navigating life. Sordid details may not be helpful. We don’t want to put a stumbling block in front of someone by getting into such detail that we are introducing them to things they aren’t even aware of. If a parentContinue reading “Episode 165: How do I answer my kids’ questions about my past?”

Episode 164: Can a seared conscience be re-sensitized?

Episode Highlights: – The conscience is our God-given capacity to make moral judgments about ourselves. (Rom 2:14-15) – A seared conscience is one that has become desensitized due to an individual repeatedly ignoring its voice. (1 Tim 4:1-2) – A seared conscience is dangerous because it makes us more vulnerable to the harmfulness of sin.Continue reading “Episode 164: Can a seared conscience be re-sensitized?”

Episode 163: How far should I pursue an estranged family member?

Highlights: – Such strained relationships with unbelieving relatives should not surprise us as Jesus came to “bring a sword” (Matt 10:32-38) – In all such situations, “as far as it depends upon you, be at peace with all men” (Rom 12:18). – Pray for the heart of Christ toward the estranged relative.

Episode 162: Opposing mask ordinances?

Highlights: – Depends upon what we mean by “oppose.” – Since our constitution gives us the right to redress in the courts, there is nothing wrong with seeking to have a mandate overturned. (Rom 13:1-2) – It is not biblical to simply disobey the mask mandates, even if we hold that the mandates are unconstitutional.Continue reading “Episode 162: Opposing mask ordinances?”

Episode 160: CCW for Christians?

Episode Highlights – The sanctity of human life based upon creation in God’s image leads to numerous injunctions to protect the weak from the wicked (Psa 82:3-4, Prov 24:11) – While we are not under the OT law, it does provide a window to the character of God. On this issue, the law indicates thatContinue reading “Episode 160: CCW for Christians?”

Episode 159: My life isn’t turning out how I’d hoped…

Episode Highlights: – This is the broad experience of man (Prov 19:21) – We should be thankful God’s plans are always fulfilled, even at the expense of our own, in light of His supreme wisdom and love (Rom 8:28-30) – The key to overcoming depression and despair over unfulfilled plans is desiring Jesus above allContinue reading “Episode 159: My life isn’t turning out how I’d hoped…”

Episode 158: Should Christians protest?

Highlights: – Believers are called to love and stand for justice (Psalm 9:7-8; Mic 6:8) – Believers are called to spread and live the gospel (1 Thess 1:8) – Believers are called to obey authority, understanding it is established by God (Rom 13, 1 Peter 2) – Christians can protest as long as their demeanorContinue reading “Episode 158: Should Christians protest?”