Release Date: August 21, 2023
Questions
Can we know if the babies we don’t get to meet have eternal life? People have tried to be comforting by saying things like “at least she’s with Jesus” and “you’ll get to see her again someday” but is that rooted in truth? (7:10)
What does it look like, practically, to “overcome,” and how is that different from a non-believer coping with life’s difficulties? Referencing this part of Josh’s sermon–“New birth results in new life — which results in true belief in Jesus Christ — which compels us to love God and to obey his commandments — which strengthens our faith in Christ so that we overcome everything this world can throw at us.” Are we to view this overcoming from a present time, earthly perspective or from an eternal, heavenly perspective, or both? I’ll also ask a similar question in specific context. Is Josh saying we can overcome “everything this world can throw at us” i.e. sin, in this present life on earth or that we can have confidence that the struggles with sin will be no more in heaven? (12:30)
Whenever we talk about predestination I wonder why God doesn’t choose everyone. If His choosing us comes first, and everyone who is chosen has faith, why not choose all of creation? (20:50)
If an unbeliever was listening to the sermon yesterday and was thinking, “if salvation starts with God giving me new life, it seems like I need to wait until He does so before I can even believe anyway, what on earth am I supposed to do in the meantime?” What advice would you give that unbeliever? (23:45)
Many might be responding to your message with the thought, “Why do I need to evangelize if God is already giving people new life through His Spirit and will inevitably believe in Jesus in the first place?” How would you help someone to understand, then, the reason for evangelism? (30:15)
The Arminian view would say that “prevenient grace” is the solution to this issue which is the grace of God given to individuals that releases them from their bondage to sin and enables them to come to Christ in faith, but does not guarantee that the sinner will actually do so. What objections do you have with this view? (32:10)
Can you think of an example in Scripture of this order of salvation playing out in the life of a biblical character? Many may not like the proof text of 1 John 5:1 (or let’s say..grammar).. but we know the Bible interprets itself so I was wondering if there were any examples of this played out in Scripture explicitly? Or do we have to infer? (35:55)
Josh’s questions/thoughts on sermon
Ice breaker: Which do you do more often: hum or whistle? Hum or whistle your answer. (39:40)
We spent some time talking about grammar, what’s your relationship with grammar? Was English/Language Arts your favorite subject in school? (40:20)
Obeying God’s commandments viewed as a burden vs not burdensome: how has your view of God’s commands changed as you’ve grown in your faith? (42:30)