Truth & Circumstances

Episode Highlights – Three questions help us decipher heresy from error: Does it compromise the gospel? Does it compromise Christology? Does it compromise the nature of God? – We should be reasonably patient with new believers as they are corrected on matters of orthodoxy. – On differences that do not rise to the level ofContinue reading "Episode 153: How do we tell the difference between error and heresy?"

Episode Highlights: – The Bible gives us clear instruction on how to discipline our children. – The Bible prescribes loving corporal punishment as the norm for disciplining children (Pro 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; Heb 12:6-11) – We should incorporate loving corporal punishment without provoking our children to anger (Eph 6:4).

– Again, the place to start is the context, which in this case is the letter to Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22. – The context indicates that the letter is written to believers who need to be called back to meaningful fellowship with Christ; therefore, this is not an evangelistic text. – There are plenty ofContinue reading "Episode 151: Does it really mean that? Rev 3:20"

Episode Highlights: 1. This issue provides a wonderful opportunity for discipleship within the home. 2. There is a time to be “boy-crazy.” That time is within a God-honoring, heterosexual, monogamous marriage relationship. 3. The desire for an intimate relationship is a gift, but it is a means to enjoy Christ more and not an endContinue reading "Episode 150: How do I counsel my daughter who tends to be “boy-crazy”?"

Episode Highlights: – Episodes 140-142 on forgiveness may also be helpful. – Trust may not be advisable, depending upon what we mean by trust. – The offended spouse should press into the bitterness issue by meditating on gospel themes. – Looking to the Lord for ultimate fulfillment will prepare you both to love well andContinue reading "Episode 149: How do I build trust after betrayal?"

Episode Highlights: – The admonition to be quick to hear and slow to speak comes from James 1:19-20. – Important principles pertaining to communication come from Proverbs 18:13, 17. We should be eager to have all the information we can get before seeking to resolve a situation. That means listening intently. – An important diagnosticContinue reading "Episode 147: Slow to listen, quick to speak?"

Episode Highlights: – We should be gracious regarding others’ convictions. – Heb 10:24-25 regarding not neglecting the gathering of the saints, likely has in view those who for selfish or immature reasons do not engage in meaningful relationships with other believers. – We should not view government guidelines as anti-Christian persecution, but measures intended toContinue reading "Episode 146: Should churches close for the virus?"

Episode Highlights: – The Bible both depicts and commands lifting our hands to the Lord in prayer and worship. (Psa 63:4; 134:2; 1 Tim 2:8) – Our discomfort with this expression of worship is likely more cultural than biblical. – Those who want to raise their hands should do so, unconcerned about any biblical expressionContinue reading "Episode 145: Hand-raising in worship?"

Episode Highlights – The Bible indicates that it is a blessing for one’s remains to be well cared for. (Gen 49:29, Exo 13:19) – The Bible indicates that it is a curse to have one’s remains dishonored in any way. (Jer 16:4; 1 Kings 21:19, 23) – The human body has been bestowed with dignityContinue reading "Episode 144: Does it matter how our bodies are treated when we die?"