Q1 (1:14). What is the role of psychology in the church today?

Q2 (6:47). What is the “third heaven” mentioned in 2 Cor. 12:2. I have a friend who is a Mormon and he said that this is the highest point in heaven and hopes to one day attain to it. I never heard this before so I wanted to find a good way to engage in my response.

Q3 (18:39). The other day my 3 1/2 year old daughter asked me if demons could hurt her. Being completely unprepared for the question, I responded “Well, if you’re best friends with Jesus (something we’ve talked about many times), although the demons will try and scare you, they can never harm you.” I just wondered if I was anywhere close to being accurate.

Q4 (also 18:39). What is the role of demons and Satan today? I would like to know more in regard to questions like: Can a demon possess a Christian? What is the criterion for Satan to possess a person? In other words, is there something a person does to open the door to the Enemy? Can Satan read my mind? Doesn’t Satan know he is defeated and, if so, why doesn’t he give up? Is it possible for a demon or Satan to repent and turn again to serving God? Sorry for so many questions, I have wondered about these for some time and I am glad for this format in which I can get answers. I hope it helps with these kinds of questions too.

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Q1 (1:22). When I discuss issues with my friends and cite the Bible as a reference my friends often say to me, “Well, that’s your interpretation.” How do I respond to that without feeling like I am just giving another opinion? It just seems like all the force gets taken out of the point I am trying to make.

Q2 (9:54). When the Bible says we will be held accountable for our actions does that also include sins that we’ve already been forgiven for?

Q3 (17:59). When the Bible says that we will be “in the world” but we are not supposed to be “of this world” how is that possible? How can I know where the one stops and the other begins?

Q4 (27:49). I believe it is wrong to take the life of a baby (abortion), but what about euthanasia for the elderly? A friend made a good observation. He said, “We don’t let our pets suffer. We find it acceptable to put them down. Yet we are not supposed to help our parents pass-on even when they give their permission?” It was a good argument and wanted to get some guidance as to how to think this through Biblically.

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Q1 (2:50). How do I tell my child to respond to physical bullying? Conventional wisdom and experience leads me to say ‘Do everything you can to avoid a fight, but there does come a time when you have to stand up for yourself and hit back to show the bully that you won’t be a doormat for them.’ This, however, seems to conflict the Scripture’s instruction to love our enemies and turn the other cheek.

Q1 follow-up 1 (16:07). Doesn’t Jesus’ response when struck imply that there could be a good reason to hit someone?

Q1 follow-up 2 (17:11). Where in the Bible is it that we should protect those who can’t protect themselves?

Q2 (26:03). I have had discussions with a hippy friend of mine who says war is sinful because Christ calls us to “turn the other cheek.” Aside from Old Testament events, is there such a thing as a “righteous war?”

Q2 follow-up 1 (31:07). Was Iraq a righteous war?

Q2 follow-up 2 (32:30). What was the overall motive of the Crusades and was it righteous or unrighteous?

Q2 follow-up 3 (33:27). What criteria do we use to determine whether the cause is “just enough” to make war?

Remaining questions will be covered on blog posts or at future graceTALKs.

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Q1 Part1 (2:15). If Christ is the only ONLY way to the Father- What happened to all of the people in the Old Testament? What if a person says, “They somehow had or will have provision made to accept or reject Christ after they lived on Earth.” Please reference where the Bible says that. Also, if provision is made after life on this Earth, what do you say to non-believers that say, “If God wants me to accept Christ – He’ll lead me to do so after I Die?”

Q1 Part2 (11:00). If our faith in Christ is how we are continuously forgiven for our sins and reconciled with God, what happened to all of the people in the Old Testament that lived and died before Christ was crucified and rose again? If sacrifices were how they atoned for sins, did those sacrifices continuously reconcile the Old Testament believer with God even though they surely continue to sin until they offered there next sacrifices?

Q2 (15:59). I have heard a Christian radio talk show host say that there is no substantial biblical evidence for church membership and, as such, is not a member of a church although he regularly attends, gives, etc. This raises a couple questions in my mind. First, is it true, is church membership required? Second, if membership is required, what is the pastoral/ecclesiastic response if a mature Christian refuses to join a local church?

Q3 (33:13). As for “praying in Jesus Name”, are we over-interpreting John 14:13 when we end all our prayers specifically with that phrase or something like it?

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Q1 (26:16). I confess my sins and ask God to forgive me since that is what I have been taught from the Bible. Are you saying that the Bible says confessing your sins and asking for forgiveness is wrong? I just can’t see how asking for forgiveness when I sin against God can be wrong. My relationship seems so much more vibrant when I regularly confess and ask for forgiveness.

Q2 (15:02). Can’t I John 1:9 apply to believers and non-believers? In this case it would be a way a believer would act, but would also be a requirement for a non-believer.

Q3 (18:42). It seems like we are using the term “fellowship” to refer to both the moment of salvation (Pastor Dan said this) and yet we also refer to “fellowship” as our relationship after salvation. This seems confusing to me.

Q4 (2:30). It seems like I John 1:9 is very clear, if you confess then you get forgiven, but if you don’t confess then you are not forgiven. What am I missing here? I guess I am not following the argument you are making if this is not what you are teaching. I do enjoy the challenge to think that Grace delivers in not simply “dumbingdown” these messages.

Q5 (32:05). How can I discuss this with my friend who heard what Pastor Dan was teaching and thought it was just plain wrong and would lead to people living anyway they want to?

Q6 (37:59). What is to keep a Christian from becoming hard in their heart toward God if they don’t have to confess their sins in order to restore their relationship with God? It just seems like this would lead to people living anyway they want. I know that isn’t true (based on the teaching), but seems to be the logical outcome given how weak we are in our trust of God.

Q7 (41:44). I have simply never heard this teaching before. Can you refer me to some other people who also teach this?

Q8 (defered to next graceTALK). I have heard a Christian radio talk show host say that there is no substantial biblical evidence for church membership and as such is not a member of a church; though he regularly attends, gives, etc. This raises a couple questions in my mind. First, is it true, is church membership required? Second, if membership is required, what is the pastoral/ecclesiastic response if a mature Christian refuses to join a local church?

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Q1 (2:35). This question was prompted by the “Jesus is” sermon series on other religions. I would like some thoughts, experiences, advice, and resources to help me think through evangelism as it relates to culture. Specifically, how can we deal with the problem that, when we evangelize people from other cultures and religions, we are not only asking them to accept or reject propositional truths, but we are also asking them to abandon much of their culture, heritage, and family? What can we do to overcome this strong obstacle to the gospel? (I know truth is not culturally relative, but humans comprehend it as such. I’m asking about to overcome these irrational and emotional barriers, not those which can be countered by rational argumentation).

Q2 (21:20). Ok, I’m not sure if I can articulate all aspects of this question well enough, since it’s been churning in my brain for over a week, but I’m going to do my best! I was walking with my friend the other week and it came up in the conversation that when you’re saved the Devil can’t fight against you as he can when you’re not a Christian because we, as Christians, are protected in Christ. Christians only sin when distracted by their own desires, which when pursued, give birth to sin. My friend stated that so many Christians blame the devil for tempting them when, in reality, it’s their fault since they’re the ones that took the detour by following the wants of their earthly flesh. I had never thoroughly thought about this before because I had always believed that the Devil has the ability to tempt (or fight against or whatever) whomever he chooses – examples being Job, Jesus, etc. and that all sin is ultimately caused by the Devil. I know that we already have victory over sin, but I’m confused how this fits into our new life as Christians when we’re tempted or fall into sin.

Since marriage, I feel like my walk has greatly suffered. It’s been suffocated by a greater demand on my time from my ever growing to-do list, my husband, my daughter, my job, etc. My quiet times, no matter how dedicated, are becoming just another thing to cross off. Is Satan actively fighting against me, or is this my sinful nature/desires that have led me off course and I just missed the point when I detoured?

Q3 (to be discussed on the blogs). No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Mark 13:32). I struggle with this verse, and many opponents of Christianity use this verse. The basic is problem is how can Jesus not know? He is God. If he is not all knowing he can’t be God.

Q4 (to be discussed on the blogs). How can Mark or any of the gospel writers so accurately record what Jesus said? Was someone writing it down as Jesus said it?

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Q1 (1:32). If someone fully believes that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again, yet they are a murderer and kill a ton of people, will they still go to Heaven? Why is there Judgment Day if it is black and white – People who believe in Jesus go to heaven and people who do not go to Hell? What is Judgment Day when we stand before the Lord for then?

Q2 (17:26). A friend of mine who is a Christian was discussing George Tiller’s death with me. He felt it was justified; not an evil act or even wrong for that matter. He said he felt this way because what George Tiller was doing with late term abortions was no different than murder. Therefore the murder of George Tiller does not violate God’s commandment, “You shall not kill” because taking the life of a murderer is preventing murders. He argues that this rational is consistent with the justification behind capital punishment, self defense killing, killing in war, etc . . . I don’t think this is true but I don’t know how to respond to my friend.

Q3 (28:18). Jesus tells his disciples in John 15:7, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you” and in Matthew 21:22, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Are those promises made to all believers, why don’t I get what I ask for?

Q4 (34:28). Can you outline what “assurance of salvation” is and is not? How much of it is objective and how much of it is subjective?

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Q1 (1:29). In light of recent elections, I have heard Christian-radio citing a verse that we need to claim during these tough times: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

Q2 (9:46). Why are Catholics persecuted when for the most part we believe the same things that any normal protestant church believes?

Q3 (18:06). The problem of evil… (A) Why does God allow evil to exist? Why does God give Satan dominion over the earth for the time being? (B) [in reference to James 1:13] Sure God isn’t the one doing the enticing but this certainly gives us reason to think that there is more to it than just human free-will to sin.

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Q1 (00:29). I recently visited another church with a friend who wanted to start going to church again. They (husband and wife) wanted a church that was big so that they could “ease” into the whole church thing. So, I went along to encourage them. We went to a “mega” church in the area and I was blown away. It was like a rock concert! The message was good (in a creative sense) but seemed very shallow. I didn’t even need to use my Bible. So, now I am in a pickle. I want my friend to go to church, but I fear that they will see Christianity is a warped way by going to this “mega” church. What should I do?

Q2 (10:17). I saw where the church is forming a building and land team. Could you fill us in on some more of the details?

Q3 (18:18). I have been very blessed by the many gifted teachers at Grace and was wondering if you have to be a teacher before you can “move up” into some type of leadership?

Q4 (24:38). I have two very different kids. One seems to be very loving and compliant and the other always pushes the limits. How do I give correcting attention to the one that needs it while not seeming to reward this child with my attention? I don’t my more compliant child to be tempted to disobey to get my attention.

Q5 (31:15). I really want to be a better witness to people (this desire is stronger than ever especially after the “Jesus Is…” series) but have such a hard time starting conversations. Can you give me some quick ways to jump into a conversation?

Q6 (36:17). Why dows God allow evil to exist? Why does God give Satan dominion over the earth for the time being?

Q7 (40:35). What classes are being held at Grace Fellowship during the Connections hour at 11am on Sundays?

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Q1 (1:59). When I was discussing the issue that everyone must trust in Christ in order to have their sins forgiven, my friend asked me how people in the Old Testament got saved? How would you answer that question?

Q2 (10:03). I have a friend who I am not sure if they are a Christian. They say they are a Christian, but I see things in her life that they don’t seem to be bothering her at all. Things like gossip, talking to her kid meanly and she watches movies that are, frankly, filthy. I just know in my life I get very convicted when things like this are in my life so, is there a way I can talk to her and specific things I can zero in on?

Q3 (18:16). I was listening to the messages online (BTW – this is a great resource to have) and noticed in Pastor Dan’s teaching that he said the Church was not “cessationist.” I realized that this meant hat Grace Fellowship does not believe all the gifts have passed away, but are still functioning today. If this is true, would you say that the churches that teach a cessasionist perspective are wrong? How do you reconcile with those who believe certain gifting (like speaking in tongues) have passed away?

Q4 (27:30). I am looking forward to starting the New Year in a more focused way when it comes to family devotions. What are some suggestions you have in not only leading them, but resources I can consider? I know there are good resources available; I just don’t know which ones are the best ones.

Q5 (34:53). I recently visited another church with a friend who wanted to start going to church again. They (husband and wife) wanted a church that was big so that they could “ease” into the whole church thing. So, I went along to encourage them. We went to a “mega” church in the area and I was blown away. It was like a rock concert! The message was good (in a creative sense) but seemed very shallow. I didn’t even need to use my Bible. So, now I am in a pickle. I want my friend to go to church, but I fear that they will see Christianity is a warped way by going to this “mega” church. What should I do?

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Q1 (1:02). I have recently begun to attend Grace Fellowship and have really enjoyed it. Lately, I have been struggling over how to be take part in presidential politics yet not get filled with anxiety and frustration. Any counsel on how I can maintain balance and yet be responsible to do my part before God?

Q2 (20:16). A friend of mine regularly asks for prayer yet doesn’t tell me exactly how to pray. So, is there a specific prayer I can pray regardless of the situation and have confidence I am praying right?

Q3 (28:04). In Romans 2:1 it says, “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” At face value this seems to say that we cannot judge another person if we also stumble in the same area of life. While I can say there are things (sinful) I have gained the ability to not do (thank you Lord!), there are things I struggle with in my flesh. So, does this mean that I can never confront or encourage someone to not do something unless I am completely innocent myself? I know this doesn’t sound right…

Q4 (37:39). Is the church considering moving or adding another service? I have noticed how crowded things have become over the last 4 months and how, even with the addition of the new rooms in the West building; things seem to be getting tight. I have been told that we have been and are looking for another building and/or land and would like to know more.

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Q1 (1:50): Why are matters such as leasing\buying a building put to vote by the whole church? Specifically, what issues are to be decided by the church members? Why is it biblical?

Q2 (13:30): Hi and thank you for reading this: I recently heard Andy Stanley tell a story about how they had lost one of their pastoral staff to cancer. It was a terribly sad story. The man who lost the fight to cancer was a man of God in his early 30’s and was a father of two. Mr. Stanley said, shortly before he passed away, that the church elders gathered and anointed him with oil and prayed over him. Obviously the desires of the hearts were not to be granted on this occasion. I struggle with this because James 5:13-15 seems to assure us such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick. This seems to be a situation where our experience does not line up with scripture. I very possibly have a limited understanding of these verses but I am having a tough time with this and genuinely appreciate your team’s guidance.

Q3 (21:53):  In James 1:14-17, it says faith is dead without action. Do you believe this to be true? If so, how does that relate to times in which I don’t trust in God? It would seem that this “formula” gives no room for personal weakness.

Q4 (30:52):  Here is one I hear all the time…”If God told you to sacrifice your son, would you?” How would you respond?

Q5 (39:18):  On the blog post of Pastor Dan on June 2 (“Is Repentance Required for Salvation”) said the following: “The very nature of trusting in something is to not trust in something else. This is abundantly true when it comes to the recognition of an activity or a state of mind (whether good works, a good life, a religious activity, etc.) that holds no value in rescuing me from a Holy God. Therefore, when a person comes to the knowledge of their desperate spiritual condition they must repent (a change of mind) of how they have been living, thinking, and believing. If a person does not turn to Christ, then they may “repent” but they truly don’t remedy their sinful condition. A person can repent of how they have been living and seek to “turn over a new leaf” but, at best, it is a moral improvement that will gain him or her nothing in the eyes of a Holy God. So, if a person does not (at some fixed point in time) have a change of mind (repent) from trusting in something or someone to trusting in Christ alone, that person cannot rightly be called a Christian.” This statement seems to be almost too conditional and restrictive. While I know Pastor Dan cited a lot of Scripture, I would like more discussion regarding this dynamic of faith since I don’t normally hear this from and through other Bible teachers. BTW. Thanks for having a forum like “GraceTalk” to launch tough questions like this.

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Q1 (2:29):  Several years ago, I had an argument with my sister-in-law in which she accused me and my husband of all sorts of transgressions against members of the family.  The big problem was that not a single one of those offenses was against her.  After the argument, we received calls from the remaining siblings who were present at my toungue lashing telling me that they held nothing against my husband and me and didn’t even know what offenses the sister-in-law was talking about.  I wrote an open letter of apology to our family members and asked them to come to us in the future if they held something against us.  I wrote a letter to my sister-in-law and asked her to forgive me for losing my temper, but that I was unable to ask her to forgive me for offenses that I had not committed against her.  My sister-in-law never apologized to me and while we are now cordial, there is still a distance between us.  Would you please comment on the dangers in taking up offenses for others and the best steps to take toward reconciliation with the offended party and the one who took up the offense?  Proverbs 26:17 says, “Like one who takes a dog by the ears, is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.”

Q2 (21:00):  Is the grace of a loving, sovereign God enough to sustain a person through death?  If a person was raised to believe and in his heart did believe, yet in the last few years of his life struggled with his own questions and lived life as if there was no God?  How big is the grace of God and is that enough to get through the gates of heaven?

Q3 (31:59):  Grace rarely discusses tithing.  What is the church’s stand on tithing and the 10% mentioned in the Bible?  Deuteronomy 14:22?  Please elaborate. 

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