Asking For A Friend: Part 2

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Asking For A Friend: Part 2

June 9, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

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Today we will answer the following questions: How does my relationship with God differ from my relationship with Jesus, who do I pray to? On the cross Jesus told the thief that he would be in paradise with him that day, I thought Jesus descended into hell? Is it OK for Christians to take medication for mental illness? Raising kids in today's world feels so scary- how do you biblically raise kids in this world without sheltering? Pastor Paul stated in a recent sermon that God will not answer our prayers if we are not being truthful about something, if there is something that is not forgiven? I would like some clarification. Does paying taxes make me culpable in the evils done by my government? Is there ever a time or point when an abortion is advocated for the safety of a mother?

Asking For A Friend: Part 12

August 18, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

We conclude this summer series with these final questions to consider: What does the Bible say about Jesus' brothers and sisters? How did Mary manage Jesus and her other children too? Who was more challenging to parent? Can you imagine being His sibling? - How should a Christian understand same-sex attraction? - When children are involved - who tends to the "broken" children who are at times used as pawns and suffer the consequences of their parents' actions?

Asking For A Friend: Part 11

August 11, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

As we near the end of this question series today we tackle the hard questions of: I believe God is in control of illness – physical and mental – so how do we emotionally continue to have the strength of expectation that God will heal when years of praying have not changed a situation? If you are divorced and remarry are you committing adultery? When Jesus says to turn the other cheek, that's fine, I get that. But at what point does one decide that this cheek turning has just turned into abuse? There has to be some point we say enough is enough?

Asking For A Friend: Part 10

August 4, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

Today we discuss responses to the follow questions: 1. The Bible says God has not given us a spirit of fear. What does that mean? Are there particular spirits of depression, addiction, bitterness, lust, etc. that need to be cast out? 2. In a culture where sexuality and gender expression are in the spotlight, how do we reach out to a culture that is being told their biological sex is interchangeable? Should we use pronouns? 3.How do we take the plank out of our own eye? I can be so critical of others and see everyone’s flaws. In my mind I have solutions to fix the problems of others, but when it comes to myself I struggle to make needed changes or exercise self-discipline. I know the Holy Spirit is working in me and through me but it feels like nothing changes. 4. How do Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons understand the nature of God? How do Christians dialog with them in a meaningful way?