Questions from the Congregation - Part 15

Note: The time signatures [00:00] below indicate the start of a question if you'd like to skip to a particular one of interest in the audio file.

1. [06:32] - Q: Were God the father, son, and spirit all present at the beginning of creation? How can we know this?
   A: See Colossians 1:16 - For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
   John 1:3 - All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
   
   REVELATION / ESCHATOLOGY / END-TIMES

2. [10:13] - Q: Do you personally see and feel the rise of the spirit of the antichrist throughout the world? All Romans 1 items checked within just a years time:

   • Pastors thrown in prison, churches fenced off, their homes burned with their children in them, US churches gladly shuttered in the name of "saving just one is worth it" while bowing to the alter of health, wealth, and science (the new religion)

   • Atrocities by world governments such as human trials of genetic modification supported by corporate coercion, suicide inducing lockdowns, planned starvation, destruction of small business, purposeful separating of sheep and goats due to testing and vaccination requirements, technological explosion ripe for the mark

   • Free speech removal, big tech takeover, cancel culture, woke culture, UFO/UAF disclosures, twisting of language and logic in that we have birthing persons because biological men can have babies, menstruate, and compete with girls in sports, amen must include “awomen”

   • Big tech takeover of everyone's lives: biometric data prepared for payment, cashless society by a false coin shortage, the US dollar move towards the digital dollar, shadow-banned to free speech isn't allowed on this platform to digital jail to digital exile

   • Israel: a new wars with many around them, a new government mixed with Jew and Muslim power, global antisemitism, US funded enemies, and the continued push for a 2 state solution

   • Nation fighting against nation with BLM peaceful protests, white guilt turned in to all whites are racist, Christians are racist, stolen elections, NWO schemes, and Israel is the oppressor of the world

     ...to name just a few
     
     That wedding feast seems to be getting really close now. So, personally how close are you feeling that the removal of His bride church is now?
     

3. [17:16] - Q: It seems like Christ's return is imminent, I believe that he's coming back soon. I can't wait to be taken up to heaven. I just don't know how to live day to day with that type of mindset, knowing that I'm going to be taken away. How do I live "normally" worrying about work/job, finances, buying cars/stuff, upkeep for my house, etc. In first 1 Thes Paul tells the believers there that they haven't missed it and they need to keep on working. So I know I need to continue on, I'm just challenged by how to do that. Christ's love is in me and yes I can share that with others and try to get as many to heaven as possible, but really preacher, I'm exhausted from what God has given me. I'm ready to go. Can you give a few pieces of advice for how to persevere? How should I be praying? Thanks
   A: See Matthew 24:45-51, 1 Thes 5:6-11
   

4. [24:16] - Q: In Revelation John sees the events of the end times and since John is a saved man, would he also be seeing himself in the future? Meaning that there would be a past John and a future John. Also, if John is there for the end times, that he had already seen, wouldn’t he have known that the Lamb was worthy to open the scroll and break the seals?
   
   A: 1 Corinthians 4:6 - I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written...

   
   OLD TESTIMENT LAW / DOCTRINAL ISSUES

5. [30:22] - Q: Were multiple marriages in the Old Testament considered a sin? For example, David had multiple wives, if that was considered a sin and he continued to live in that sin seemingly unrepentant why did God still use him?

   • Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines and God still used him... what? Was Solomon saved?

6. [35:16] - Q: Why are there so many different versions of the Bible? Specifically the message, I know it gets the same point across but it says it completely differently than my NIV or ESV.
   

7. [39:15] - Q: How do we know the Bible we have today is God's complete word? How does the apocrypha and other extra-biblical literature factor in? How can we be confident in it when it was seemingly assembled and decided by humans during various meetings/councils?
   A: Luke 24:27
   
   Any question that was missed due to time constraints during the service Pastor Jeff will address the answer on the blog.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):

Review the questions submitted above. Discuss any of these that stuck out to you, or that maybe your group finds particularly interesting.

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another!

Questions from the Congregation - Part 14

Note: The time signatures [00:00] below indicate the start of a question if you'd like to skip to a particular one of interest in the audio file.

1. [00:09] - Q: Are the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost the same thing?
   A: TBD
   
   

2. [00:54] - Q: What is a spirit/soul and how do they interact with our mind and body?

   A: TBD

3. [03:08] - Q: Since Genesis mentions God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply prior to the fall, and part of the curse was to increase pain of childbirth... will babies be born in heaven?
   A: See Matthew 22:30 - For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
   
   

4. [04:32] - Q: Did God make hell? If you go to the first book of the Bible it says God made heaven and earth so where does hell come into play?
   A: See Matthew 25:41 - Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’
   
   

5. [05:57] - Q: In the old testament God refers to Lucifer as "the morning star" (Isaiah 14:12?), in Revelation Jesus says "He is the bright morning star." (Rev 22:16) How would you explain the differences in these 2 passages to someone who believes they are the same and therefore; Jesus = Lucifer?
   A: See 2 Corinthians 4:4 - In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
   
   

6. [10:03] - Q: Are prophesies still a way that God communicates? How does God communicate to masses of people in today's world?
   A: See Romans 10:14-17
   
   

7. [13:48] - Q: We know that God is outside of time. We believe that old testament saints did not have to wait for Jesus's sacrifice to enter into Heaven (bc it was as if it already happened). We believe that absent from the body = present with God. And yet, Jesus's return will signal a new heaven and new earth, and the reception of our glorified bodies. That indicates that there is some element of time in Heaven. How is it both? How is God outside of time, but also waiting on the right time?
   A: See Galatians 4:4-5 - … fullness of time had come

   Revelation 6:10 (5th Seal) - …how long before you will judge

   Revelation 22:2 - …yielding its fruit each month.
   
   

8. [19:22] - Q: I really miss a lot of my friends that I have been very close to since childhood, but they live very sinful lifestyles and I have tried talking to them about how they act and talk, but they always say they like the way they live, so I have stopped talking to and spending time with them. I have spent a long time trying to fall out of the sinful habits they encourage and I don't want to fall back into those habits, but I have known those friends for so long and I have created such a connection to them that can't just be recreated. I know I shouldn't do anything that would encourage a Godless lifestyle but I also don't want to just abandon them. Do you have any tips or encouragement at all that could help me through this?
   A: TBD
   
   

9. [23:07] - Q: If there is evidence or individual belief that the government was elected or established through fraud or corruption, are we still called to submit to their "power"?
   A: See Mark 12:17 - Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.
   
   

10. [27:43] - Q: If Christians are the majority who don't believe in wearing masks, are we chasing non-Christians away from the church by not wearing masks? Shouldn't we be the first to want to protect others and make them feel comfortable? Thank you in advance!
    A: TBD
    
    

11. [38:27] - Q: Flat earth vs Round earth? Thoughts?
    A: See Isaiah 40:22 - It is he who sits above the circle of the earth…
    Revelation 7:1 - After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree.
    
    Any question that was missed due to time constraints during the service Pastor Jeff will address the answer on the blog.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):

Review the questions submitted above. Discuss any of these that stuck out to you, or that maybe your group finds particularly interesting.

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another!

Questions from the Congregation - Part 13

Note: The time signatures [00:00] below indicate the start of a question if you'd like to skip to a particular one of interest in the audio file.

Q: How can we as Christians actively combat white privilege and racism? How are we at Harvest able to make a difference despite the lack of diversity in our church and immediate community?

A: See Acts 17:26 - And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place…

Ephesians 2:13-16 - But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Revelation 5:9-10 - And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

Any question that was missed due to time constraints during the service Pastor Jeff will address the answer on the blog.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):

Discuss any of the topics covered on Sunday! Consult the thorough notes I’m certain you took.

Breakout Questions:
Pray for our nation - and pray for our church to have opportunity to love people with the Gospel in the face of racial tension.

Questions from the Congregation - Part 12

Note: The time signatures [00:00] below indicate the start of a question if you'd like to skip to a particular one of interest in the audio file.

1. [02:42] - Q: God said it was not good for man to be alone and created women. Why wouldn't God have the same for Himself?
   A: See John 17:5, 24 | Ephesians 5:25-32 | Revelation 19:9
   
   

2. [05:54] - Q: What is a Christ-like response to people you don't know stopping you on the street and asking for money? What's the best way to show the love of Christ without enabling/hurting more than helping the situation?

   A: The safest bet is to offer them food. But always make it an opportunity to share the gospel with them.

3. [12:20] - Q: The Bible states "absent from the body present with the Lord" but also talks about the dead in Christ will rise at Christ's return and forever be with the Lord. Explain please.
   A: See 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 | 1 Corinthians 15:35-55
   
   

4. [14:26] - LIVE TXT Q: We are to believe that the Bible is the truth because it is Gods word, and I want to believe this, but the Bible has been translated and copied so many times by so many people. What if the truth has been lost in the process?
   A: The test to verify an ancient document, the Biblographical Test. 2nd ancient document, the Homer’s Ilead 600ish copies…the New Testament has 24,000+ ancient copies.
   
   

5. [23:29] - Q: Christ tells us to do communion but He also washed feet and told us to do that too. Why do some churches wash feet and not others. (BTW the fact that we don't is not a problem with me.)
   A: See John 13:15 - For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
   
   

6. [27:47] - LIVE AUDIENCE Q: Could you talk about eschatology? What the church’s position is on end times. His scripture descriptive of what’s going to happen, what’s already been fulfilled, just generally like that.
   A: See Revelation, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Daniel 9 | Last year we covered the entire book of Revelation.

7. [30:50] - Q: Can you please explain to me the meaning of Psalm 108:7-9? thank you.
   A: See Psalm 57:7-11 | Psalm 60:5-12
   
   

8. [33:39] - Q: To my understanding, the devil was cast from Heaven due to the sin of Pride, is that correct? And if so, I don't understand that as I didn't think sin was possible in Heaven? Thanks.
   A: See Revelation 12:4 | Matthew 25:41
   
   

9. [35:00] - LIVE TXT Q: How does Harvest reconcile the thought that some parts of scripture are cultural (like head coverings) but others like the role of women in the church are not?
   A: See Timothy 2:11-15 | It’s the context of and surrounding the passage as to whether it’s cultural or theological, take out your biases and read the text straightforwardly.
   
   

10. [39:21] - Q: Melchizedek. Please Explain.
    A: See Hebrews 7 | Psalm 110:4 | Genesis 14
    Melchizedek was a “type”, a picture of the Messiah, in at least 5 ways:
    1 – His name: my king is Righteousness
    2 – His title: King of Salem (Peace)
    3 – He was BOTH king AND priest
    4 – He was not a Levitical priest (Jesus was from Judah)
    5 – No beginning or end. Mel shows up suddenly and vanishes suddenly from the Scriptures, no genealogy or parents mentioned, “resembling Jesus” as a “priest forever”. (Heb7:3)
    
    

11. [42:58] - Q: What about white privilege and racism? And what about diversity in our church? How are we supposed to respond as a body and as individuals?
    A: Join us next week for a Bonus QnA day! Bring your friends and family as we have a special guest joining the QnA, submit your questions now!

    
    Any question that was missed due to time constraints during the service Pastor Jeff will address the answer on the blog.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):

Review the questions submitted above. Discuss any of these that stuck out to you, or that maybe your group finds particularly interesting.

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another!

Questions from the Congregation - Part 11

Note: The time signatures [00:00] below indicate the start of a question if you'd like to skip to a particular one of interest in the audio file.

1. [00:21] - Q: Why was Zechariah “punished” for questioning God, but others- Gideon- were not?

2. [01:58] - Q: How old do you believe the earth is? If man has been here since the first week, did we coexist with dinosaurs?

   A: Based on the genealogies recorded, 6-10K years old. Yes, according to Gen 1:24-31 God created dinosaurs and man on the same day living together. A fossil record also supports both man and dinosaur living together.

3. [08:58] - Q: Where do animals go when they die?
   A: See Eccl 3:21 which alludes to the concept of the spirit of man and beast. Rev 21:6 notes that we will be fully satisfied in heaven. Book suggestion by Randy Alcorn “Heaven”
   

4. [12:01] - Q: Do you have any suggestions on Bible reading programs for the start of the new year? What works, what doesn't, etc? And how do you guard against this discipline becoming just a mechanical exercise?
   A: Read what you’re in the mood for from the bible to keep yourself engaged.
   

5. [14:29] - LIVE AUDIENCE Q: Why is demon possession primarily mentioned in the New Testament versus the Old Testament?
   

6. [15:20] - LIVE AUDIENCE Q: Do you think there is anything the church has failed to do with our societal confusion with sexuality and gender confusion situation?
   A: See the excellent sermon from Pastor Jeremiah on homosexuality and how we’re to respond as Christians.

7. [22:01] - Q: Short-term vs long-term missions work, what the right balance between the 2 should be, when does helping sometimes hurt (in the case of short-term trips being more about the people going than the ones being served, a team coming in with their own agenda rather than local partnership... etc).
   

8. [25:50] - Q: After a spouse dies, does the surviving spouse love in the same way again? If there is another love, will it be the same or will it be a different love?

9. [27:51] - Q: Why do you think church people struggle with those who might not be led by the same life choices? Ex (view-meaning) married people to singles: When are you going to settle down and marry? or Parents to Newlyweds: When are the babies coming? Maybe that isn't where the Lord is leading.
   

10. [29:10] - Q: When I'm struggling with a life situation where God doesn't seem to be answering, why do people tell me, "you just need to have more faith"? It just makes my pain worse.

    A: It’s not about the amount of faith you have, but whom you have your faith in. See Matt 17:21

11. [31:24] - Q: In Job 38:7 the Bible says the morning stars sang together. Jesus and Lucifer are both referred to as "the morning star" in Revelation and Isaiah, so who is being mentioned here?
    A: The morning star in this context refers to God’s angels in a general sense, no specific angel or person. Job 38:7 specifically is a reminder to Job that He is God and we are not!
    

12. [32:51] - Q: What is the church's response on protecting kids from sexual immorality NOW in this sex driven culture? Some possible ideas; promote early marriage to avoid temptation? Also what can parents do to help?

    A: Parents are the disciple-makers of their children. The source of authority is always God’s Word and it’s the parents’ responsibility to sow God’s Word into their own children’s hearts.
    

13. [35:45] - Q: Do you think today’s church has replaced Israel?"
    A: No, see Romans 11

14. [37:01] - Q: What was the reason/symbolism/significance of baptism when JTB was baptising? Was baptism a new thing? How did the aspect/act of getting baptized help? Repentance of sins was encouraged. What did the priests/sanhedrin/pharisees think about JTB doing this? How did JTB create baptism? Was he the first or was this a new thing?
    A: John’s baptism was for repentance and to prepare the way for the Messiah, see Acts 19:4 and Luke 3.
    

15. [39:52] - LIVE TXT Q: When we pray, are we only to address God the Father, or can we also pray to Jesus and the Holy Spirit?

    A: We are praying to God the Father in Jesus’ name while the Holy Spirit also prays with us.
    

16. [40:36] - LIVE TXT Q: Who / what are angels?
    A: Eternal beings that God created for His glory.
    

17. [41:35] - LIVE TXT Q: What are your thoughts about people who claim to cast out demons or perform exorcisms?
    A: See Eph 6
    

18. [42:44] - LIVE TXT Q: Luke 11:12-14 tells of Jesus cursing the fig tree for not having figs. However, it was not fig season. Why would Jesus do this? How is this different from Christians not having a specific spiritual gift, such as teaching? Are we still expected to teach?
    A: The Holy Spirit gives gifts as God provides them. See the sermon on the fig tree from Pastor Jeff as we studied the book of Mark.
    See James 3 on a warning to teachers and a fantastic sermon on this topic by Michael Wolski.
    

19. [44:36] - LIVE TXT Q: Due to abortion being a so controversial, and in my opinion a human rights issue, ...1. what does the Bible say about pre-born life? (Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1:5). 2. The church does need to speak truth in love, but is this an instance, like slavery, where we need to get more involved directly?

    A: This is a modern day version of child sacrifice to demons as outlined in the Old Testament

    
    Any question that was missed due to time constraints during the service Pastor Jeff will address the answer on the blog.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):

Review the questions submitted above. Discuss any of these that stuck out to you, or that maybe your group finds particularly interesting.

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another!