Asking For a Friend

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?

Asking For A Friend: Part 9

July 28, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

Today we explore the questions: Why does God "talk" to us in so many different ways? Why not just be direct and tell us what he wants us to know? Maybe we do live more than one life on earth but God purposefully does not reveal certain things as doing so could change the outcome of the life we are currently living? Past life regression has shown some rather remarkable data proving itself to be possible. Why have the Jewish people been hated for so long? How can good people justify or advocate for abortion?

Asking For a Friend: Part 8

July 21, 2024 • Pastor Jacob Franks

We explore several questions ranging from obscure Biblical references to holidays and cultural phenomenons. What are the leviathan and behemoth of the Bible? I’d like to know more about the Nephilim and Giants of the Old Testament. Did God create aliens or other intelligent life forms? What language did Adam speak? Why isn’t Easter considered a National Holiday, but Christmas is? And why we don’t celebrate Jewish holidays? If a couple was married at a courthouse is the marriage still a marriage in God’s eyes? If God put plants, minerals, etc on this earth and we know that certain plants have certain "powers" medicinally, would it be wrong to be ok with having certain rocks or crystals around your environment that might give off some type of energy? How should we approach children we know who have gender identity issues? Is the Bohemian Grove a satanic gathering?

Asking For a Friend: Part 7

July 14, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

Today we discuss: Is it possible that we are missing books in the Bible that were lost? When it comes to some yoga poses and some energy work for relaxation and peace, if we use these things as tools rather than the end all/be all isn't that ok? Why has living together and having sex before marriage become so "acceptable" even among people who believe they are Christians? Why are some people so loud during church services, Is this appropriate or is it a distraction to others?

Asking For A Friend: Part 6

July 7, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

Today we talk about the following questions: When Elijah said he was the last person faithful to God he was told that 100 prophets had been hidden from the king. Who were those prophets? - How should you approach areas of contention in marriage? For example, one spouse feels called to do something and the other does not, kids schooling choices, large purchases, etc.? - Why is hearing people speak in tongues so awkward? Why do they sound the same or always seem to be the same people speaking?

Asking For A Friend: Part 5

June 30, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

Today we tackle the questions of: Is there anything wrong with Calvinism as a Christian belief system? Where does the idea of purgatory come from, does the Bible mention anything, where is heaven and hell? Our society has embraced the concept of gay marriage being a valid and normal sexual expression. As Christians, how should we view same-sex attraction and gay marriage? Do we all have a guardian angel assigned to us while on earth?

Asking For A Friend: Part 4

June 23, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

This week discuss the questions: What advice can be shared with a couple who no longer love each other and do not want their marriage to continue? How would a person know if they have strongholds preventing them from deepening their faith? How do I know what career God wants me to go into? And Is people falling down when prayed for a real thing? Why do some speakers seem to use extra force when laying on of hands? Why do some speakers make a blowing noise while praying for someone? Is there a Biblical precedent for all of this?

Asking For A Friend: Part 3

June 16, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

This week we tackle these tough questions: How did God create angels? Are there ghosts? How does one deal with stress and burnout and find real soul rest? Should Christians never vote for a candidate who is pro-choice? Why does the church have children's ministry instead of having all ages in the same worship service?

Asking For A Friend: Part 2

June 9, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith

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 1

June 2, 2024 • Pastor Paul Smith • Romans 3:10–12, John 18:36, Genesis 1:1–3, Matthew 3:16–17

Today we begin a new series answering questions submitted by the congregation. This week we are tackling: How can we know God is real and what proof do we have for belief in the God of the Bible? Can you explain the concept of the Trinity? "Sin is sin" - Is all sin really the same? It doesn't seem right. How should Christians engage in politics?

West Ridge Church

Finding Answers to Tough Questions