Fall Elders Conference 2024 Q&A Session
Summary
The speaker addresses questions about church involvement, advising that if a child struggles to connect, the issue likely lies with the child rather than the church. He emphasizes that Christian life requires discipleship, not just fun, and stresses accountability because greater revelation brings greater responsibility. Ultimately, he argues against self-sufficiency in spiritual matters, asserting that believers need experienced teachers (like pastors) for proper guidance.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How should we handle a child who cannot relate to anyone at church?If a child cannot connect with a church, the issue may be a lack of being born again or a desire for a club rather than discipleship.
Are we under greater judgment and accountability with more revelation?The more spiritual light and understanding a person is given, the greater their accountability before God will be.
How do we know God's opinion of our spiritual progress?While our conscience can be insensitive, the preaching of God's word acts like an MRI scan to expose what is hidden in our hearts.
Do we need help from teachers or just seek God on our own?It is prideful to reject teachers and wise mentors; just as in earthly education, receiving guidance helps us learn spiritual truths faster and with fewer mistakes.
Does God test us because He does not already know our hearts?God already knows our hearts, but trials and tests reveal to us what is inside us so we can be humbled.Deuteronomy 8:3
What are some practical ways to meditate on God's word?Meditation involves keeping God's word in your mind throughout the day, starting each morning with a humble attitude to receive fresh insight.
How was the earth populated after Adam and Eve?The entire human race descended from Adam and Eve through their children marrying siblings and cousins, and later through Noah's family after the flood.
How should we view speaking in tongues and the anointing of the Spirit?While tongues served as an external confirmation in the early church, not all believers speak in tongues, and the true mark of being filled with the Spirit is a changed life under His control.
How should we deal with people who hurt us and refuse to apologize?We must maintain total forgiveness toward every human being while exercising wisdom to keep a distance from quarrelsome people, treating difficult circumstances as a gymnasium to build spiritual muscle.
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily?Being filled with the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to control every area of your life, including your tongue, without keeping any locked rooms.Romans 8:9
Is it okay for Christians to listen to secular music?Pleasant instrumental or clean secular music is not sinful, but songs with suggestive words or self-pitying Christian lyrics should be avoided.
How do we know Jesus is real and the Bible is trustworthy?The reality of Jesus is known through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, and the Bible is a realistic book that truthfully records human history and God's mercy.
What does it practically mean to abide in Christ?Abiding in Christ is like a branch remaining connected to a tree, letting the sap of the Holy Spirit flow without blockage to produce spiritual fruit.
Why is the quality of Christianity so low in places like India?The path to life is narrow, and many preachers fail to preach the full counsel of God regarding taking up the cross, often focusing on money or theological degrees instead of true discipleship.
How should Christians approach voting and political elections?Instead of focusing on partisan politics, Christians should follow 1 Timothy 2 by praying for those in authority so that they can live peaceful, godly lives.
How should we view singleness versus marriage?Marriage is the normal plan for those burning with passion, but singleness can also be lived for God's glory when circumstances require it.
How does the church handle past divorce and remarriage?While past sins can be forgiven, individuals in ongoing remarriage situations after a divorce are restricted from holding positions of preaching authority like eldership.
How helpful are Bible paraphrases and the Amplified Bible?Paraphrases and the Amplified Bible can highlight helpful shades of meaning, though the NASB remains a very accurate translation for long-term study.
How can a person know they are truly born again?Faith is born in the heart when you recognize you are a sinner and trust Jesus' promise that He will never cast out anyone who comes to Him.John 6:37
Can an autistic child understand doctrine and be saved?Autistic and heavily handicapped children often possess a deep innocence, and those unable to consciously rebel against God are saved by His grace.
