The Elders answer questions submitted by Grace Church members and attendees prior to this session. Pastor Ben Khazraee moderates, and he, Doug Link, Rod Bunton, and Charlie Greenwell answer questions selected for them.
Questions:
- [00:49] Teasi Cannon‘s book “Counterfeit Forgiveness” has gained momentum in some circles, including Turning Point USA and on Allie Beth Stuckey’s podcast. Can you please confirm or deny that this approach to forgiveness is Biblical? Answered by Rod Bunton
- [07:47] Concerning worship service traditions:
- How can the church remain faithful to timeless biblical truths while thoughtfully evaluating which traditions and practices should change with the times? What principles help us sift through what is a cultural expression that can change and what is non-negotiable?
- How do we teach the coming generation to value the non-negotiables and to understand why we do what we do so that they are equipped to be healthy church members?
- Answered by Doug Link
- [15:02] The death penalty has been in the news recently. Is the death penalty biblical? Should Christians watch a live-streamed execution (e.g., Nidal Hasan’s)? Answered by Ben Khazraee
- [26:19] Why do an Elder Q&A when we can ask A.I. to answer questions we have about the Bible? Answered by Charlie Greenwell
- [36:39] I believe that the canon of Scripture is closed because the Bible tells us not to add to it. What was the process for getting to the final point for saying the canon is closed? Who decided the point at which no other books would be included in the Bible? What criteria was used? Answered by Doug Link
- [47:15] Could you explain James 5:14-15 and how you believe this is to be applied? Answered by Rod Bunton
- [52:53] Could you explain where we go when we die as a believer and how that is the same or different from the New Heavens and Earth? I feel like the Bible speaks quite a bit more on the New Jerusalem than it does on where we go directly after we pass on and what that will be like. Answered by Ben Khazraee
- [55:51] Could you please spend a few minutes talking about what “the joy of the Lord” is in Nehemiah 8:10 and how it was a source of strength? I think that direct phrase is only used once in the Bible. Is it connected to Jesus’ motivation in Hebrews 12:1-2? Answered by Charlie Greenwell
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