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!

My Prince of Peace

Introduction:

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
~Isaiah 9:6

Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

When Jesus is My Prince of Peace:

1. I am at peace with God .

   Romans 5:1, 10 - Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

2. I am at peace in my Heart .

   John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

   Philippians 4:6-7 - do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

3. I am at peace with Others .

   Romans 16:20 - The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

   Romans 12:18 - If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

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

Small Group Discussion
Read Isaiah 9:6

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Give a Biblical definition of peace. What does the Bible mean when God speaks of peace?
   

3. Explain how the peace Jesus gives is different from the peace the world gives (John 14:27).
   

4. Tell of a time you experienced the “peace that passes understanding” during a personal crisis (Philippians 4:6-7). How would you encourage another believer to experience this during their crisis?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

My Everlasting Father

Introduction:

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
~Isaiah 9:6

You Will Call Him... (Isaiah 9:6)

How Can a Baby Be an Everlasting Father?

1. Everlasting: Born , but without Beginning .

   Luke 2:25-32 - ...waiting for the consolation of Israel...
   ...revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
   ...my eyes have seen your salvation
   that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

   John 8:56-58 - "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."

2. Father: Unique , but Exactly Identical .

   Hebrews 1:2-3 - ...the exact imprint of his nature"

   Colossians 1:15-19 - in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell...
   ...you do know him and have seen him."

   John 14:6-10 - Whoever has seen me has seen the Father."

What Do We Need from a Father?

• Provider (Luke 11:9-13)
• Role Model (Eph 4:32-5:2)
• Selflessness

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

Small Group Discussion
Read Isaiah 9:6

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Do you think of Jesus as eternal? How has your understanding of Jesus’ eternality increased as you have matured in Him?
   

3. If available, read different translations of Isaiah 9:6 (HBC uses the English Standard Version, or ESV). How do those translations differ, if at all? How does the present tense of the verb “to be” (used in the Hebrew text) affect your understanding of Jesus?
   

4. In what ways are we helped by knowing Jesus is “the exact imprint” of God? How does that affect your understanding of God?
   

5. What are ways Jesus models God the Father for us?
   

6. If you do not or did not have a positive relationship with your earthly father, how can Jesus as your everlasting father transform and satisfy your need for that essential relationship?

Breakout
Pray that Jesus will reveal Himself to you as your everlasting father.

My Mighty God.

Introduction:

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
~Isaiah 9:6

You Will Call Him... (Isaiah 9:6)

1. My God .
   • Romans 10:9 - Jesus is Lord
   • John 20:31 - Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
   • John 8:24 - unless you believe that I am (he)
   • Matthew 12:32
2. My Mighty God.
   • 2 Chronicles 14:9-12a
   • 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.

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

Small Group Discussion
Read Isaiah 9:6

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why is believing “Jesus is God” necessary for salvation? Why can't someone be saved by believing “Jesus was just a great prophet and example for mankind”?
   

3. What is “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 12:32)? Why is that an unforgivable sin? How do you know when someone has committed that sin?
   

4. Name some ways people look to other avenues for help instead of seeking the Mighty God’s help. Why are we so prone to do this?

Breakout
Pray for one another, specifically to seek the Lord to fight your battles, instead of enlisting other help.

My Wonderful Counselor.

Introduction:

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
~Isaiah 9:6

Three Reasons Why Jesus is The Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6):

1. His counsel is Timeless . (Isaiah 46:9-10)
2. His counsel is Personal . (Hebrews 2:17-18 | Hebrews 4:15)
3. His counsel is Life . (John 12:46 | John 8:12 | Matthew 11:27-30)

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

Small Group Discussion
Read Isaiah 9:6

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why are we prone to take counsel from “experts” whose perspective is limited?
   

3. Does the timelessness of Jesus’ counsel affect the value you place on it? Why or why not?
   

4. Can you recall a time when Jesus gave you counsel, e.g., through the Scripture, through a sermon, during prayer, etc.? What was that counsel, and what did you do in response?
   

5. Light and darkness are recurring themes in Scripture. What does light make possible? What does the light of Christ do to or for us? (John 12:46)
   

6. What is the relationship between light and counsel? (see John 8:12)

Breakout
Pray that God will illuminate the Scripture and your mind more and more to better understand and apply Jesus’ wonderful counsel.