The Extras Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Extras
Text in a question on and Sunday and if we don't get to you, we'll answer it here. Subscribe by searching 'The Extras' in your podcast app of choice, and hitting the subscribe button.
Soph chats with Lisa Newnham and Caleb Knight about pursuing full-time, vocational ministry, and the current need for more people to consider this need.
Can kids have a genuine faith? If so, how does this effect they why we approach church life and kids ministry? Listen to Soph and Sarah talk about the real and deep faith kids have.We answer your sermon questions: Kelly and Raj sit down with Soph to talk about forgiveness.
This 2-part episode gives insight into the upcoming building project for our church as we discuss what to expect over the next few months. The second part of the episode has us diving into the relationship sermon series with special guests Raj Gupta and Naomi Lawson.
Join us as we wrap up our sermon series in Exodus. Is there a disconnect between the wrathful God we see in Exodus and the forgiving God of the New Testament? In what ways are the laws in Exodus for the people of God today? What role does technology and media play in enjoying a Sabbath rest? What is the big idea for this sermon series in Exodus?
Martin and Julie Field serve as CMS missionaries in Argentina. Listen to learn more about them and their ministry.
Gillian Akers serves as a CMS missionary in France. Listen to learn more about Gillian Akers and her ministry.
Richard Wilson serves as a missionary in Italy. He developed LaParola.net – one of the biggest (if not the biggest) ways people access the Bible in Italian. Pip sat down with Richard to learn about his work as a missionary and as a Bible software developer.
1 Corinthians 4:1–17 – Sophie and Peter1.Why was verses 3-5 not focused on? (0:44)2.What does it mean to suffer as we live a cross shaped life (6:41)3.Does the way we live need to look like what Paul described, do we need to wear ‘rags’ or is there an equivalent for us today? (10:57)4.In the world of increase cost of living and financial pressures, what does it look like to follow Paul and Christ's example in the way we live? (16:24)
Sophie Witheridge & Peter Baker – 1 Corinthians 2:6–3:17From Chapter 2:1.True knowledge of God does not equal perfect knowledge of God. Can someone have true knowledge of God yet choose to reject this knowledge? (0:37) From Chapter 3:2.What does it mean to be saved "but only as one escaping through the flames" in verse 15 mean? (5:16)3.If one builds but is left with nothing after the refinement BUT saved still, then is it better not to build and not suffer loss? (9:55)4.Is the refining fire kind of like purgatory? (12:02)5.Doesn't only counting people with teaching ministry roles as 'builders' discount the responsibility of ALL of God's people to be growing the kingdom of God? (17:35)6.What does it mean to grow God’s kingdom? (23:54)
Pip and Sophie Witheridge – 1 Corinthians 1:18–251.Why does Paul alternate between the terms “Gentiles” and “Greeks”? (1:14)2.The cross is meaningless without the resurrection, so wouldn’t it be more accurate that the victory comes with the resurrection rather than with the cross? (5:13)3.You touched on stoicism, is there such a thing as biblical stoicism? (10:37)4.What are some top tips for living a cross-shaped life? (17:57)
Sophie W and Peter B – 1 Corinthians 1:10–17 1.The Corinthians seem to be divided over a speaker/leader's style, but what if the substance isn't there? Which can range from outright heresy to "not quite theologically sharp." Is it wrong to have preferences over theology? Or what should our attitude be when listening to a theologically poor sermon? Or doctrines we disagree with? (1:38)2.We don’t want to be “following Paul” or “following Apollos”, but following Christ. Historically we have named Anglican churches St Paul’s, St John’s, St Stephen’s etc. Should we be doing this, or should they all be “Christchurch” or something similar? (10:49)3.Since we are encouraged and follow life in Christ and not divide ourselves between leaders but God alone, what are our attitudes towards Catholics, is it more important if their lives focus on Christ? (13:00)4.How do we know when assimilation is happening at church and not just engaging with the culture? / What’s the line between a church which culturally assimilates to be attractive (the ‘cool’ church that is still evangelical) and appealing to the community so people would come, feel welcome and hear the gospel? (24:28)
Sophie and Peter – 1 Corinthians 1:4–91.What does v5 mean in terms of 'all kinds of speech and knowledge'? Was this particularly relevant for the Corinthians or to us too? (0:51)2.In v7 why did Paul say "revealed" at the end of the verse instead of something like return? (4:20)3.What are the spiritual gifts in 1 Cor 1:7 and how is it linked to verse 6 confirming our testimony about Christ? (7:58)4.What does it mean for God to be faithful to a Christian who has fallen away? (11:55)5.If I don’t feel enriched is that due to my own sin or am I not looking and open to seeing Gods riches? Or is it that I have no spiritual gifts/am not confident in my gifts? (18:18)
1 Corinthians 1:1–3: Pip and Sophie Witheridge1.Who is Sosthenes? (0:49)2.How should we think about male and female speakers? Does it matter when the message is more important? (3:23)3.How can we not be judgmental about a sermon or speaker when sometimes the delivery muddles the message/makes it harder to engage with? How can we improve our own delivery of the message / encourage others to do so, so it doesn’t be a “stumbling block” to the message? (7:424.How can Paul call the Corinthians sanctified, if the Corinthians are so far from holiness, so far from God’s character? (19:55)
Priest:1.In Leviticus 16, why are two goats used? Was one not enough? (0:39)2.If Jesus’ sacrifice was ‘once and for all’, why does he still need to intercede for us? (6:08)3.Can Jesus be sinless and yet still become sin/the embodiment of sin for us? (9:03)4.Was God unjust for crucifying a sinless man? (12:19)5.How does our Priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9) relate to Jesus as high priest? (14:58)King: 1.A modern idea of a king is someone who sits in power and makes decisions. But is the biblical idea of a King more like a warrior? (17:53)2.How can Jesus and God have different wills if Jesus is also completely God? Why would he pray “not my will but yours”? (22:31)Prophet:1.In Deuteronomy 18, are v20 and v22 prescribing different consequences for false prophets? (29:22)2.Do you have some practical advice about how we can be better listeners of Jesus? (32:18)
Join Kelly and Raj as they answer your questions following the final week in our Exodus series.1. Why did the Israelites take such a long route to the Promised Land? (8:49)2. Was God still physically manifested in the pillar of cloud and fire in Exodus 17? (12:41)3. Did Moses stand ON the rock in Exodus 17:6? (15:16)4. What does 1 Corinthians 10:2 mean—"baptised into Moses"? (17:11)5. What is the difference between "grumbling" and coming to God in all situations? Is grumbling different when it is expressed directly to God versus to others? (19:20)6. Is there space for honest sharing and understanding among believers? Or is every expression of dissatisfaction "grumbling"? (29:55)7. How do Christians balance faith and gratitude with the reality of sin, suffering and doubts? (36:05)
This week Sophie chats with Raj about your questions from Exodus 11–141.In v23 who/what is the destroyer? (0:46)2.Two questions to speculate: were there enough unblemished lambs? And what were the ages of the first-born Egyptians that died? (3:39)3.What’s the timing from Exodus 11:4 to 12:29? (5:29)4.What would have been the mood when they were partaking in the Passover feast? Likewise, what would have been the mood at the Passover feast with Jesus? (8:29)5.Was Egyptians dying the price for the redemption of Israel? (13:00)6.It was said that God won’t reveal his promises until we take the first step. Doesn’t God control our first step or is it us who control it? How do we know if the steps we take are the right ones for Gods promises/plans? (16:45)7.Does the passage we read in Exodus tonight and 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 confirm the idea that water baptism is necessary? (23:01)
Raj and Sophie seek to respond to a plethora of questions that came through. Apologies to all those who sent in questions that we didn’t get to. 1.Is it God or Pharaoh who hardens Pharaoh’s heart? How can both be true at the same time? And Is God unjust to punish Pharaoh? (1:53)2.Is Moses being deceptive when he asks Pharaoh if he and the Israelites can take a three-day journey into the dessert to worship God? (26:45)3.Why did Raj talk about ‘wild animals’ when talking about the plague of the flies? (30:41)4.What is the significance of the numbering/ordering/grouping of the plagues? (33:50)5.Should we be on the lookout for signs from God today? (40:14)6.How do we diagnose our hard hearts and how do we go about un-hardening them? (44:44)
Sophie sits down with Pip to discuss the questions you sent in:1. What’s the difference between “faltering lips” (NIV) and “uncircumcised lips” (ESV)? (0:52) 2. What is Exodus 4:24–26 about? Why did God want to kill Moses? (5:34) 3. Is Matthew 11:30 “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” contradict Luke 9:23 “Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross.”? (13:02) 4. Is there anything in the slogan “dependence is the goal” that we shouldn’t embrace? (19:32)
Sophie and Raj discuss your questions.Didn’t God ‘send’ others before Moses, or was Moses the first? (1:49)Could we assume that Moses is not yet a follower of God and needs converting? (5:38)How does God’s name YHWH get used in the book of Exodus? (11:09)How does God’s name YHWH get used outside of the book of Exodus? (18:41)Is it an angel of the Lord or YHWH himself in the burning bush? (21:10)What is our equivalent of removing our shoes before approaching God? (25:07)
Raj and Sophie sit down to discuss your questions. We talk through what it means to fear the Lord today and the implications of when it’s appropriate to stand up against oppressors or restrictions place on christians today. We discuss the midwives, whether they’re Egyptian or Hebrew and whether or not God approved of their lie. We also discuss more deeply the Israelites slavery to pharaoh and how it prevented them from Worshiping God in the fullest sense.
This week Pip and Soph discuss some of the interesting historical features of Luke 2:22-40, and how the details in the text shed light on what the intertestamental period was like (the time between the testaments). They also discuss how to keep joy in Jesus just like Anna and Simeon did.
Soph and Raj answer your questions from the Sunday sermon in this episode of The Extras!
This week on the Extras, Raj and Sophie discuss your questions from last week and this week’s sermon. We discuss sin and confession as well as assurance as Christians. We also explore when does someone receive the Holy Spirit and can they ever lose the Holy Spirit and fall away? We give some practical advice about reminding ourselves about the assurance we have in Christ.
This week Liam joins the Extras Podcast! In this episode, we explore what 'loving the world' means. We discuss practically how to identify love for the world and how we can replace it with a great love of God.
This week Soph sits down with Sam Russell. It’s Sam’s last time on the Extras (for real this time). They talk through 1 John 1 and discuss habitual unrepentant sin versus addiction. They also discuss the dangers of thinking that we are ‘good’ people and the need to acknowledge our sin.
Sam and Tinik join Soph this week as they answer your questions from Deuteronomy! Why did God give Israel the law if he knew they would disobey it? What does it mean for Jesus to be the 'true Israel'? These questions and more answered in this episode.
Join Sam and Soph as they continue to answer your questions on Deuteronomy. This week: the second half of the Ten Commandments!
Sam joins Soph on The Extras this week to answer your questions from Sunday about the first four of the Ten Commandments.
This week, Sophie sits down with Peter to discuss the place of the law in the Christians lives today. We discuss the difference between being under the law and obeying Christ. We also explore how important it is that we follow Christ’s example and please God but remember that we all go through seasons — we shouldn’t expect our obedience to God to be an upward trajectory from the moment of our conversion. We also talk about how we use God’s wisdom in his law and teachings to help us navigate a complex world.
This Extras Episode, Peter and Sophie discuss your questions from the second sermon in our Deuteronomy series. The episode focuses mainly on the relationship between the new and old covenant. We also think about how we are transformed to follow God with our hearts.
Join us this term for a new sermon series at St Paul's, the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. I sit down with Peter to answer your questions from Sunday.
On this episode of the Extras, I sit down with Raj to look at the last passage in 1 Thessalonians. We talk about leadership, the spirit and prophecy, and building in thanksgiving into our prayer lives.
This week on the extras we discuss the sermon from a few weeks ago, from the 30th June. We’ll be talking about some rather sensitive topics and questions. What happens to infants and young children when they die? And how do we support those who have lost loved ones who didn’t come to Christ before they died?
This week, Soph and Mike talk about how to please God, why that's not something we naturally think about, and areas where St Paul's is doing well!
Liam joins us on The Extras podcast for the first time! We'll answer questions like, "why do we struggle to talk about our faith with each other?" and "how do we care for one another better?"
Join Sophie and Raj this week as they answer a question from 1 Thessalonians 2: "What does it mean for God to test our hearts?"
We’ve reached the last chapter in Matthew’s Gospel. In this episode Sophie meets with Raj to talk about the Great Commission. We dig into some of your exegetical questions including whether the command to ‘go and make disciples’ is for us or only for the disciples. We also talk about what this would look like practically in our lives.
This is our second week in the book of Matthew, following Jesus’ journey to cross in the lead up to Easter. In this episode Sophie meets with Raj to talk about the second half of Matthew 26. We think about why Jesus was concerned when he found the disciples sleeping. We talk about the difference in the gospel accounts and the fulfilment of scripture in the book of Matthew.
This week we start a new series in the book of Matthew, following Jesus’ journey to cross in the lead up to Easter. In this episode Sophie meets with Raj to talk about the first half of Matthew 26. We think about Judas and his betrayal, what that means for him and the significance of him calling Jesus, ‘Rabbi’ instead of ‘Lord’. Keep the questions coming!
In this episode Sophie meets with Peter to talk about the last part of the Lord’s prayer – “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”. Peter and I talk through God’s role in temptation and testing in contrast to Satan’s role. We discuss ‘The Problem of Evil’, where did evil come from? Why does God allow it to happen? We also discuss Jesus’s own temptation. With so many questions this week, it’s possible that we didn’t get to answer yours or misrepresented your question, please email Sophie if you’d like to follow up. sophiew@stpaulsanglican.org.au
In this episode Sophie meets with Sam to talk about forgiveness. Do we need to forgive someone who doesn’t want to admit they’ve done anything wrong? Is our salvation dependant on whether or not we forgive others? What does reconciliation mean? And many more questions. With so many questions this week, it’s possible that we didn’t get to answer yours or misrepresented your question, please email Sophie if you’d like to follow up. sophiew@stpaulsanglican.org.au
In this episode Sophie meets with Peter to discuss the next part of the Lord’s Prayer, “give us today our daily bread.” There were so many questions this week, we tried to cover everything by discussing the general topics. We dive into asceticism, fasting, and our attitudes towards our physical needs as well as spiritual ones. We talk about the difference between planning for the future and anxiously trying to guarantee it, particularly in regard to finances, and we explore famine and share our physical resources with one another.
In this episode Sophie meets with Peter to discuss the next part of the Lord’s Prayer, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We talk through questions around the timing of God’s coming Kingdom. We discuss whether our focus should be on the spread of God’s rule in the hearts of people on earth now, or on the future new creation. We think through practically what it looks like to know God’s will for our lives, and we also think about what prayer looks like for those who were alive before Jesus died and rose again.
This week I chat with Pip about the first request in the Lord’s Prayer, “hallowed be your name”. We discuss what it looks like to glorify God or ‘hallow’ his name in evangelism and everyday conversations. Pip talks about different responses to books like “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins.
In this episode our new host Sophie, discusses with Peter the first few words of the Lord’s prayer – ‘Our Father, in Heaven’. This is the first part of our new sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. They talk through questions such as, who are we praying to when we pray? Can unbelievers pray to ‘our Father’? And how should we think about liturgy and set phrases that we say together as Christians?
In this final episode of the Extras for 2023, Raj and Sam join Lachlan to answer your questions from our Vision Month in November, as we learned from and were inspired by Acts 1–8. Were the early Christians communists? Is St Paul's aiming to become a church with thousands in Carlingford? Did the apostles in Acts have numerical goals for church growth? These are just some of the questions that we discuss as we pray for God to continue working among us in 2024.
As we approach December, Lachlan joins with Peter and Laura to talk briefly about Advent – what it is, why there's value in celebrating this season in the traditional church calendar, and what we're each doing to mark this season.The Names of Jesus Advent calendar can be purchased here: https://au.lacewingcreative.comYou can sign up for the St Paul's Advent Bible Reading plan here: https://stpaulsanglican.org.au/daily-bible-reading/
Join Lachlan and Sam as they answer your questions from our last sermon in our Matthew Kingdoms Collide series.
Jesus prepares his disciples for a time of his absences, before his sudden return. Join Peter and Lachlan on this episode as they discuss your questions about these two parables and how we can be ready for Jesus' coming.
On this week's episode, Raj and Lachlan discuss the three questions that came through on this passage:1. "God is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living" – how does that answer the Sadducees question?2. What is Jesus saying about marriage in heaven?3. What point is Jesus making about David calling his son "Lord" and how does that stump the Pharisees?
On Sunday September 24, we had the great joy at St Paul's of celebrating the baptism of three babies at our Carlingford Morning Church. With all the kids in the service that morning, Peter Baker and Josh Everett helped us understand Jesus's story of two sons in Matthew 21. It was great! But Peter had prepared a preached more broadly on Matthew 21:28–22:14 at our other congregations, so we wanted to make a recording of that sermon available for those who were interested to hear more.
We are continuing in our Overflowing Christian Living series. Join Lachlan and Tinik on this week's episode of the Extras as they discuss the many questions which came in on the topic of generosity. The sermon was based on 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
Tune in to our new episode of The Extras where Lachlan and Raj reflects on Deuteronomy 6 and shares their personal bible reading journey.
Join Lachlan and Peter on this episode as they work through your questions from Matthew 20:17-34. Questions included:
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Why does the mum of the two disciples ask Jesus the question, instead of the disciples themselves?
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Jesus could see the 2 blind men and knew what they wanted so why did he ask "what do u want me to do?" (v32)
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Would it be different if the sons said “No” to their ability to drink the cup? The “yes” answer seems to have been glossed over by Jesus, where I would have expected him to pull them up for this… why did Jesus not pull them up?
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In Matthew 20:23, Jesus said it is for those whom has prepared by the father. Is that people? or the holy spirit? Or…?
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Believers have been released from the power of sin because Jesus has paid for our ransom. We are not enslaved by sin anymore and we now serving King Jesus (v28). Who did Jesus actually pay the ransom to?
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How can we as modern day people and Christian’s make sense of glorifying being a “slave” in terms of serving one another given the history of how humans have traditionally treated slaves – horribly? And thinking through the concept of being a slave in servitude of Christ, in a way that is not degrading or encouraging the treatment of slaves that has occurred throughout history?
Join Lachlan and Sam on this episode of The Extras, answering your questions from Matthew 20:1-16. Some questions include: - What does it really mean first will be last and last will be first? - What would have happened if the early workers had left the fields and quit working before the end of the day? - How does the idea of being entitled to heaven with works (e.g., serving others, attending church, Christian events) sit when we talk to others who say that we only need faith to enter Heaven and use that as reasoning to not attend church, etc.? - Most of us don't work for church and even if we serve at church it is only a fraction of our life. Should we also talk about the "work" of the Christian in other contexts?
Join Peter and Sam as they answer your questions from Matthew 19:16-30. Some questions included: - How did the young man even know he was lacking in v20? - What does it mean for the 12 disciples to judge the 12 tribes in Matthew 19:28? - Is giving up wealth something we have to do before we come to Jesus? If so, is that coming to Jesus with nothing? - How do I work out if I am too possessed by money? - Is there a role for a "rich" Christian?
Tune in to our new Extras episode as Sam and Peter answer your questions for our Matthew sermon series. We got questions from the sermon and a special bonus question at the end! Some questions included: - Why did Jesus bother preaching to the crowd if he didn’t want them to understand - As of that time of the 4 soils sermon? - Is it weird to not feel that happy about being in the good soil when all your non-Christian friends aren't there with me? Does that disappointment count as a thorn?
On this special holiday episode, Raj and Lachlan discuss the book of Jude, which encourages us to "contend for the faith" and "keep ourselves in God's love" particularly in the context of false teachers who are living in sexual immorality and encouraging others to do the same. There's a suitable spot to pause at about the 29 minute mark, if you don't want to listen to one hour straight through.
Some of the resources mentioned in the podcast are: - The LIfe of Faith, by Peter Jensen (https://wanderingbookseller.com.au/products/9781925424799-the-life-of-faith) - The Gender Revolution, by Patricia Weerakoon (https://wanderingbookseller.com.au/products/9781925424973-the-gender-revolution-a-biblical-biological-and-compassionate-response?_pos=5&_sid=219b752be&_ss=r) - Living Faith – Resources on Gender Incongruence (https://www.livingfaith.online/gender)
Join Sam and Lachlan as they tackle your questions from Ezekiel 7. Questions include: - What is Jerusalem’s conduct?
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In light of the New Testament, can Ezekiel 7 show hope before the New Testament was written? Could people take any hope out of that passage?
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God’s judgement is on the nation except for a remnant. To relate the lesson of God’s punishment more clearly to our world, should we view the doomed nation as also having people of faith in their midst, and those will suffer the punishment brought on the collective ‘nation of Israel’?
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Is there a link between Ezekiel 7 and the Kingdom of Jesus? Noting the similarities of Mark 1:15 and the passage today in "The time has come"
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If we are to be patient in the injustice of being under paid should we be advocating for reducing the wage gap or for people in positions that are being underpaid or their payment does not equate to what they do?
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What routine is helpful to overcome spiritual forgetfulness?
Join Lachlan and Susan as they tackle your questions from Ezekiel 6. Some questions included: - Can we use Ezekiel 6:14 to speak to today's green movement? Does our sin impact the environment?' - If God knows everything, including the future, and knows that the Israelites would not follow his commands faithfully forever, why did he set such a harsh punishment in Leviticus knowing that he would have to carry it out in the future (Ezekiel)? - For people who are spared, why did God at the end put them to death at famine (v12)? So are these sparred people just a general description? - How does God’s judgment on Israel reveal his greatness to the surrounding nations? Doesn’t it make him look weak, and that he can’t defend or save them?
The book of Ezekiel has been raising many questions, and chapter 5 seems to have particularly prompted reflection.- How do we cope with this teaching about God's judgment? - Are children also under God's judgment? - Were the remnant righteous? - How can we love our enemies? - And how can we repent of comfortable, affluent, Christianity? Listen as Lachlan and Sam discuss these significant questions.
Join Sam and Lachlan as they answer your questions on Ezekiel 4. Questions include:– Did Ezekiel really lie on his side for 430 days? - Is war the act of God's judgment? - How do we talk to others about the weight of their sin, and the judgment that they are facing?
Join Lachlan and Sam as they dive into our great questions from Ezekiel 2-3:15. Some questions included:- Is there a reason 'Son of man' is used to describe both Ezekiel and Jesus?- What difference is there between Ezekiel's mandate to the people of God and the broader going to all people? How does that impact us?- I see a lot of similarities between Israel as depicted in Ezekiel and our present culture. Both are deeply rebellious toward God. While our nations aren’t in a covenant relationship with Yahweh, is there some sort of collective guilt and judgment we face like Israel?- How does the doctrine of predestination fit with whether we listen to God’s word or not?
We started a new series in the book of Ezekiel. Join Lachlan and Sam as they answer your questions on Ezekiel 1.
Join Raj and Lachlan as they answer your questions from Hebrews 12. Some questions include:-If we don’t have Christian community and aren’t holding fast, we heard that that’ll lead us to falling short of the grace of God (v15)? But don’t we fall short anyway? Isn’t that what makes it grace?- In what sense are we gathered now? We are physically gathered at church. But what about when we are not at church? Are we gathered then? In what sense are we currently gathered on Mount Zion? Gathered in the heavenly realms? What does that mean?- Is Mount Zion metaphorical for heaven or the church? - What are we doing wrong if we have more terror than joy?
In this extra episode of The Extras, Peter and Lachlan explore some of the questions that were raised during our Stretch events, where we came together to stretch our thinking about what the whole Bible says about perseverance in Christian salvation. We couldn't tackle all the questions, and wanted to encourage those who came along to continue thinking about these issues, so here are some other resources you might like to turn to as you continue wrestling with God's Word:- Handout from the Stretch Event (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mfBWYfcCdnQhtNtj0TdfVg1D9XoU6DFd/view?usp=sharing)- God's Sovereign Mercy: a teaching series on Romans 9–11 at St Paul's, from 2021 (https://stpaulsanglican.org.au/romans-9-11/)Included in this series are three extended episodes of The Extras on questions about predestination, alongside sermons in Romans 9 that taught on this topic- Andrew Heard, Can Christians Fall Away? (https://evchurch.info/can-christians-fall-away/)This is a relatively brief article, outlining one synthesis of the warning passages in discussion with some alternative options.- J. I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God (IVP, 2010). This 136 page book is a classic. It helps you grapple with what the Bible teaches on God's sovereignty in salvation, and some of the implications that has for evangelism but also for the broader Christian life.- Thomas R. Schreiner, Run to Win the Prize: Perseverance in the New Testament (Crossway, 2010). A brief 128 page book to which Peter referred at the Stretch event and in this episode- The Decision of the Synod of Dort on the Five Main Points of Doctrine in Dispute in the Netherlands (or The Canons of Dort) (https://crca.org.au/about-the-crca/beliefs/the-canons-of-dort)For those who want to read something detailed, nuanced, precise and systematically structured, you can try tackling some of these Canons. Most relevant to the discussion at the Stretch events is the section entitled ‘The Perseverance of the Saints’.
On Sunday, we heard a sermon about persevering in our Christian walks by fixing our eyes on Jesus. Join Lachlan and Peter as they tackle your questions from Hebrews 11-12:3. Some questions included were:- Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is assurance about what we do not see yet. With faith having a future aspect, what does it mean to have faith that the universe was form by God in the past?- If living by faith is living uncomfortably according to Hebrews 11, does John Piper's doctrine of Christian Hedonism become invalid?- What does it mean that Moses “…thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ.” How would Moses have “conceptualised” Christ?- Romans 5:3 says suffering produces perseverance. What if I am tired of suffering?
Join Kelly and Raj as they discuss the many questions that came through from last Sunday's sermon on Hebrews 10:19-25. Some questions included were:- What does apostasy mean and can you provide an example?- What are the importance of meeting together?- How do we encourage people who are not at church to 'keep meeting'?- What can we do when we want to continue in Christ but we don't feel connected or cared for?- What can teenagers do to communicate with their non-Christian parents the important of coming to church regularly?
This week Raj and Josh spent time in Hebrews 9 answering questions such as:- Why didn’t God skip straight to the new covenant?- Why did God use blood so much for salvation?- How did the Israelites pick up the Most Holy Place without being killed?
This week, Peter and Lachlan talk Hebrews 7 and 8. Questions included:- Who on earth is Melchizedek? - If the new covenant is better, why did God bother with the old one? - Why do we bother learning about the old covenant, if we've never lived under it and never will? - Or do the laws of the old covenant still apply?
Hebrews 5:11–6:12 issues a stark warning – those who should be teachers are still drinking milk like babies, and they are at risk of regressing even further to the point that they deny Christ altogether! So what is the Christian maturity that the author of Hebrews wants for them, and for us? Join Raj and Lachlan as they tackle your questions on this week's episode.
This week on the Extras, we answer your questions on Hebrews 4:14–5:10, mostly revolving around the identity and role of Jesus as the priest we need. Questions include:- Who is Melchizedek? - Should we pray to Jesus? - Why do we need pastors if Jesus is our priest? We pray that our discussion would encourage you in your love for Jesus.
Hebrews 3 and 4 urged us repeatedly: "Today, if you hear [God's] voice, do not harden your hearts." This week on the Extras, we explore what it means to harden your heart, how to avoid a hard heart, and the nature of the rest that God is inviting us to enter into.
At church on Sunday, we looked at Hebrews 2:5–3:6, and were encouraged to fix our thoughts on Jesus. That's what we did this week on the Extras, as we considered your questions about Jesus, perfection, atonement, and more.
Last Sunday, we kicked off a new sermon series in the book of Hebrews.In Hebrews 1, we read that "In these last days, God has spoken to us by his Son." Flowing on from Sunday's sermon, Raj and Lachlan explore what it means that God has spoken in a final, ultimate way. They also delve a bit into our current tendency to maximise pleasure and minimise pain – can that tendency take us away from what God has said through Jesus? Tune in and think along with us.
The first words of Psalm 22 are heart-wrenching: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" In this follow-on from Sunday's sermon, we answer questions about how this Psalm points to Jesus, what Jesus and the Father experienced on the cross, and what impact all this has on our experience of suffering and death.
Join Sam and Lachlan as they answer your questions from last Sunday's sermon on Psalm 15!
Join Sam and Peter as they answer your questions from our last Sunday's sermon on Psalm 8!
Happy New Year everyone!We started our new year with a clear and sober reminder in Psalm 1 that we are ultimately blessed through God's son, Jesus. Mike also shared practical tips on how we can keep reminding ourselves of this great truth. You can re-watch the sermon on our YouTube channel.Join Candy and Mike as they tackle your questions for Psalm 1. Questions include:- What is the fruit referring to in verse 3?- Could this Psalm have been truly sung by Israelites like Simeon, which Luke 2 describes as ‘righteous’?- How would the saints of the OT have sung this without Jesus?
And that's a wrap! Join us on our last episode of The Extras for 2022 with Candy and Sam answering your questions from our last Advent sermon. Questions include:- How does Advent tie into the word ‘adventure’?- What did Micha 5 meant to the original audience?- Why is Matthew 16:18 misinterpreted? How should we read it?
Join Candy and Raj as they tackle your questions from last Sunday's sermon. Questions include:- Does the language of remnant in Zephaniah 3 imply some will not be saved but perish?- In 1 John 3:3, isn’t our purification all done by Jesus? In what way does John mean that we purify ourselves?- Raj, why did you pick John 1 as your second reading?- What 'other things' does Jesus expect from us, why not expand on that thought?
Last Sunday, we started our Advent series where Sam and Lachlan preached from Isaiah 11:1-10. Tune in to this week's episode as Candy and Lachlan addresses the question 'What is the role of the Spirit from Isaiah 11?'.
Join Sam & Candy as they tackle your questions on 1 Peter 4 and Ephesians 4. Questions include: - Are the gifts God gives us to be used for the Christian community and not outside of the church? - “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received", what about hospitality, is that a gift? - What about our secular work? Is that serving? - What about serving in the home? - Is ‘I should’ a good enough reason if it’s not accompanied by “I want…”?
This week we've got Peter and Candy tackling your questions on Psalm 84 as well as how magnification works in our lives and our doctrines. Questions include: - What does the tent of the wicked mean? - You mentioned pilgrimage Peter, what about physical pilgrimage in today’s age? - So is maturity ‘head’ and magnification ‘heart’? - How does faith work with affection? Which comes first? - What if I am just not a very emotional/ detached person?
Last Sunday we gave thanks and reflected on growing as a church in the area of membership through John 15:1-17. Join Raj and our Membership Pastor, Kelly, as they answer your questions from last Sunday's sermons. Some questions included: - Can’t we just love one another like v17 says without all this extra stuff (e.g. M structure and roles)? - The word 'remain' is mentioned 7 times in the passage. How do we 'remain' in Jesus? - How do we balance our effort and time between loving our members and seeking to love and evangelize non-Christians? Are we to do one more than the other? - Is there biblical principle for our church being known rather than Jesus' name being known?
We started a new series on our Vision Update 2022! Join Raj and Candy as they tackle some of your questions from our Sunday sermon on the topic of Mission. Questions included: - Is church more like a business (with KPI targets & mission) or is it like a family where there is love and care? - What's our approach to distributing and planting churches rather than grow in singular size?
Answering your questions on Matthew 18:10–20 How do I talk to someone about their sin when I might have a ‘plank in my eye’?
Who is the wandering sheep?
What is being bound and loose in heaven?
When should a sin be brought ‘before the church’?
Have I forgiven someone if I don’t want anything to do with them anymore? What about if someone who isn’t a Christian sins?
Other questions from the extras on Matthew 18:1–9: - At what point did Jesus transition to metaphor? How can we be sure he isn’t being literal? - How do we not put on a facade at church? - How do we relate and be aware of those who are different to us?
Join Candy and Raj as they answer your questions from our sermon on Matthew 17:22-27. Including: - How do we answers Mike's questions from the slides? - How should Christians think about causing offence with our non for profit status and also our recent DA? - Did Jesus need to pay that temple tax? Hadn't he already paid?
Join Candy and Raj to tackle this week's questions from Matthew 17:14–20. Questions include: - Why is v.21 missing in some translations? - What does it mean that Elijah comes to restore all things? - Who was Jesus called perverse and faithless? The father, the crowd or the disciples?
Covering your questions on Matthew 17:1–8 - What did the OT people believe if Jesus hadn’t come as a man yet? - Why did Jesus exclude the other disciples or even the crowds from the transfiguration? - How did Peter recognise that the figures on the mountain were Elijah and Moses?
And more on your questions on Matthew 16: 21–28 - Does God love the people that are in hell? - What does the word ‘psyche’ mean? Is Jesus being ‘punny’? - What are some practical ways we can ‘lose ourselves’? What does that even mean?
This episode we tackle a passage of the bible read very differently by different people. – Was Hades an actual place in first century Palestine? – “God doesn’t want to be God without us” Is that theologically correct? – What if we also love Christ but struggle to love Christians? – Are we being too legalistic to say people should come to Sunday services? Isn’t growth groups enough? – How would a Catholic person read this passage? – How do we engage with catholics who believe in different things to us?
This and more on this week’s extras, covering Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:14: - How was Solomon wise? Didn’t he have heaps of concubines/wives? - Keeping God’s commands, which ones? how does this work for us now? - Apostle’s creed, didn’t Pilate wash his hands? - Will the action of Jesus be judged by God?
After a sermon on Ecclesiastes 9, we are tackling your big questions this week, including: - what happens after death? - Is it eternal conscious torment or do we get destroyed? - What is the biblical data for either of those views?
We also think about injustice in this world and how we can deal with this as sufferers and witnesses.
Books referenced in the podcast: - Erasing Hell: What God said about Eternity, and the things we’ve made up. - Death and the Afterlife: Biblical perspectives on ultimate questions – also provides a discussion on hell
Not references but maybe helpful: - Is hell for real: And other questions about judgement, eternity and the God of love
Last Sunday we tackled Ecclesiastes 5:8–20 on the topic of money. Some questions we tackled included: - How should Christians think about shares, savings & investment properties? - Why does the passage say it’s ‘evil’ not to be able to leave things to your children?
Join us as we dig deeper into God’s word and how it applies to us today.
Join Jack and Raj as they get into your questions about Ecclesiastes 3! Plus hear Raj's reflections on GAFCON Australasia and the launch of the new Anglican Diocese of the Southern Cross. Questions include: - Is God real? - When is it "time to kill"? - What did the Teacher think about life after death, and what should we think about it? - What does "fearing God" look like in the everyday decisions of life?
Ecclesiastes tells us that work and toil are "meaningless" - fleeting, elusive, hevel. If that's the case, then why work at all? Join Jack and Sam as they delve into this and other conundrums, answering your questions about Ecclesiastes 2:17-26, including: - Does "work" just mean paid work or does it include things like house work, gardening, and raising children? - Is Ecclesiastes meant to be depressing or liberating? - How do I hold work lightly, but also work at it wholeheartedly as Colossians 3 calls us to? - Are "work for the Lord" and "the work of the Lord" mutually exclusive?
In Ecclesiastes 1:12 - 2:16, the author goes on a quest to find 'what is good to do in life' through the topic of pleasure, wisdom and folly. He reaches the conclusion that everything under the sun is like 'chasing after the wind'. Join Candy and Sam as they tackle your questions, including: - In chapter two, the teacher 'kept his wisdom through his experiments'(ch2v3). What does that mean? - Is the teacher sinning while he was experimenting the pleasures of life (i.e. chp2v8). How does God not have a problem with this and why is the teacher not rebuked for this? - Based on William Blake's quote shared about not clinging on to things in life too hard, do you agree with the statement 'this is life, just accept it and live one day at a time.'? Is there more to life than that?
We've started our new sermon series at St Paul's on the book of Ecclesiastes! Join Candy and Raj as they tackle your questions from our first week of sermon on Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 & 12:9-14.
In Genesis 42-45 we come to the dramatic climax of the Joseph story with its beautiful picture of forgiveness and reconciliation. Join Jack and Peter as they tackle your questions, including: - Joseph sees that God used his suffering for good; does that necessarily mean that our suffering will be for good? - Joseph seems to forgive his brothers after he has been exalted and after his brothers show remorse. How do we forgive if we're still at the low point and there's no remorse? - Is reconciliation required for forgiveness? What if reconciliation is too painful to bear?
Join Jack and Peter as they keep the dream alive, working through your questions from Genesis 39-41, including: - What does "providence" mean? - Does God still use dreams to reveal the future to people? - What does suffering teach us that the highs of life can't?
We've started a new series at St Paul's looking to finish off the book of Genesis which we've been working our way through since 2018. As we get into Genesis 37-50 to consider God's "Promises and Providence," join Jack and Peter as they tackle your questions about Genesis 37, including: - What were Reuben and Judah's motives in trying to save Joseph from death? - Why did God reveal his plan so subtly through a dream rather than announcing it more publicly? - Why do we fear the judgement of others when we have the forgiveness of God?
After an epic four years, we come to the end of Paul's epic letter to the Romans! Join Jack and Sam as they reflect on coming to the end of this series and tackle your questions about Romans 16, including: - Can't our secular work and the "work of the Lord" be one and the same thing? - How do we avoid burnout as we work continually for God's kingdom? - How do we hold these truths about Paul valuing and including women in ministry with other passages about women being called to be silent?
In this week's Extras, as well as tackling your questions about Mark 2:1-12, Jack also quizzes Raj about what happened at the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia a few weeks ago. Questions include: - Why aren't more people amazed that Jesus knows what the teachers are thinking before they even say it? - Was it Jesus's main priority to heal or to preach? - What does it mean to "start over" with Jesus?
Join Jack and Sam as they get stuck into your questions about love, law, and alcohol from Romans 13:8-14, including: - What do I tell my friend who feels like they give so much at church but don't get anything in return? - Do we need to get on with everyone at church? Or is it okay to not really like someone but still strive to love them as a brother or sister? - For the Christian, how do we work out which OT laws to follow and which are no longer necessary because of Jesus's sacrifice? - How should we think about alcohol-fuelled violence?
In this timely episode on the eve of Australia's federal election (God's plan, not ours!), join Jack and Sam as they wrestle through all things government and politics in light of your questions about Romans 13:1-7. Highlights include: How should Christians respond when authorities don't bring good order, but stir up division in society? Is protesting our government's actions a violation of "submitting to authorities" in Romans 13? How should Romans 13 impact the way we vote?
Join Jack and Rod on the podcast this week as they work through some fantastic questions on Romans 12:9-21, including: - How is it loving for us to seek to "heap burning coals" on our enemy's head (v. 19)? - How do we sincerely love each other in a large and growing church? - How can we be devoted to others in love if we ourselves are burning out? - What does it look like to overcome evil with good in an abusive relationship?
As we kick off the Extras again after the holidays, this term we are working our way through the final section of the book of Romans, chapters 12-16. Join Jack and Sam as they get into your questions about Romans 12:3-8, including: Are Christians really given different "measures" of faith? What is the gift of prophecy and how does that play out in the church today? How do I think about my gifts without thinking too highly of myself? If I'm serving Christ's body, but not serving gladly, what should I do?
Join Jack and Peter as they respond to your questions about Matthew 12, the sign of Jonah, and the wonderful, world-changing events of Easter, including: Were the people of Nineveh saved or not? Where did Jesus's spirit go when he died? Does God still do signs and wonders today? We also got stacks of questions about Raj's "under the hood" presentation, you can see a teaser-trailer for how we will be tackling those here: https://youtu.be/zmiDDO5pyfE
This week we wrap up our series on Jonah before the podcast takes a break for a couple of weeks over the school holidays. Join Jack and Peter as we wrestle with questions like: Was it right for Jonah to be angry or not? What does it mean that the people of Nineveh did not know "their right hand from their left"? How do we find the strength to forgive people who wrong us?
Get stuck in to questions on Jonah 3 with Jack and Peter, including: How is it just for Jesus to die for my sins while I get off scot-free? If I know I'm going to keep being a sinner this side of heaven, how can I ever truly repent? How am I meant to repent of sinful thoughts which pop into my mind unbidden?
As we continue our journey into the depths with the book of Jonah, Peter and Jack get into your questions about Jonah chapter 2, including: Is the book of Jonah really history, or should we interpret it as a parable? Is "the place of the dead" the same thing as hell? Jesus said he would be "three days and three nights" in the earth, like Jonah in the fish - but he wasn't? What gives?
As we begin our new series on the Old Testament book of Jonah, join Peter and Jack as they get into your questions on Jonah 1, including: What's the deal with casting lots? Is making vows to God a good thing? How can we be satisfied with God's justice while injustice continues here on earth? Is it ever right to pray for us to pray for troubles to come upon people who don't know Jesus?
Join Jack and Rod as we wrap up a fantastic Vision Month! Questions include: What is the "great tribulation" of Revelation 7? Does longing for the future mean looking forward to death? Should those who are already giving sacrificially be called to give more?
This week we welcome Peter Baker on his Extras debut! Join him and Jack as we get into your questions about Genesis 12 and last Sunday, including: How do you define "blessing"? Why didn't God ask Abraham to stay in his homeland and make that place better? Is technology inevitably a curse?
This week, Raj and Jack respond to your fantastic questions about money, generosity, and giving. Highlights include: If Jesus says your right hand shouldn't know what your left hand is giving, then why are we asking people to indicate what they want to give? Can I still be a Christian if I'm not giving? Where does providing for our family fit in? Is it right for Christians to think about investing and growing their wealth?
And many more!
At the halfway point in our exciting vision month, Jack and Raj get into your questions related to Acts 6, including: - how does helping people in need propel the gospel forward? - how do I grow in passion for the gospel when I'm sapped of energy? - how can we at St Paul's do more to care for the needy?
Tune in as Jack and Raj tackle some of your questions about Jesus' Great Commission and Great Commandments, including:
• How do you spell "sacrafically"? 😜 • Are our "hearts" different from our "minds"? • When Jesus tells us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them... is he talking about water baptism or spiritual baptism? Spoiler alert: Jack and Raj (respectfully!) disagree, tune in to find out why!
Welcome back to the Extras for another season! This week, Jack and Raj get stuck into your questions about Matthew 28 and the Great Commission, including: • If Jesus only told the eleven to make disciples, does it really apply to us? • Are we each meant to make disciples individually or together as a team? • Do we need to "go" and make disciples or can we do it in our everyday routine? • How can we reach our increasingly culturally diverse local area? And more!
After the interview on Sunday, Jeff continues to share his story on living with Dystonia and how to keep trusting God amidst suffering
Our new pastor Rod debuts on the Extras with Sam! They answer questions from last week’s sermon on Romans 11, including:
Does Romans imply hardening of anyone other than Israel? Doesn’t God getting all the glory seem selfish and self-centred? What is God's limit on how many will be saved? Does this mean that Gentiles (most of us) are lesser to God? Can you elaborate on what might it look like to be humble and praise God for how he works? plus much more
This week Sam and James tackle your questions from Romans 11:11-24, including:
What does ‘greater riches’ mean in Romans 11:12? Was Cain the first case of a ‘hardened heart’ against God? Why was the hardening of Israel’s hearts necessary to spread the word to the Gentiles? How do we fear God? How do we make the Christian life enviable while being real about the struggles of life and faith?
And more!
Jack and Sam get stuck into your questions about Romans 10:14-11:10, including: 1. Do we really need to send people to proclaim the gospel? Can't God bring people to faith another way? 2. How is Paul not taking the Old Testament out of context in Romans 10:18? 3. If God does not harden hearts permanently, is predestination still valid theology? 4. How can we be more bold when sharing the gospel? And plenty more!
This week Sam and Jack tackle your questions about pumpkins, flamingos, and Formula 1 - as well as more serious issues coming out of Romans 9:30-10:13, including: - does God deliberately cause some people to stumble? - does Paul quote the Old Testament out of context? - if all we need to do to be saved is to declare and believe, where does repentance fit in? - how do we keep calling on the name of the Lord?
Join Raj and Jack and they wrestle through your questions about humility, grumbling, and service, such as:
If Jesus is already Lord, why did he have to die to be exalted to the highest place (Philippians 2:9)? Why did God the Father send his Son to die instead of volunteering for the job himself? How do I navigate the line between grumbling and asking for prayer or venting my frustration? How can we serve when our time is limited?
Join Raj and Jack as they tackle your questions about John 8, freedom, and getting to know Jesus more deeply.
Join Jack and Sam as they tackle the extra extra extra questions on Predestination - Part 3 of 3!
This week on the extras we are chomping at the bit to get back into the book of Romans. There are a huge line up of questions, all around the idea of God’s sovereign choice in salvation. Some of the questions we’re tackling include:
Is God unjust when he shows mercy? Does pre-destination just lead to fatalism? Is there such a thing as ‘free will’? Should we replicate Paul’s desire to ‘cut himself off’ for others? - and many, many more!
Tune in as Raj and Jack get stuck into your questions on Matthew 14:22-36, including: Jesus is God - if his revealing of that is great, does it mean his healing miracles are only good? Did Jesus' disciples really worship him as God, or just as the king - the Messiah? Does "Son of God" mean something different to "God the Son"? Is it okay for me to explore my doubts about the faith? How should I go about that?
This week on the Extras, Sam and Raj are thinking through the wonderful questions from Sunday’s service all about service. We’re tackling:
- How do we know if God is calling us to serve, and how would we know if God is telling us to not serve for the moment
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Upfront roles are often spoken about the most. Is it possible someones gift could be listening (well) to others?
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If I find myself not serving gladly, what should I do? And how do I begin to serve gladly?
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Should an emphasis be placed on the gift of prophecy (proclaiming God’s word), given that Christianity is a word based religion? If so how do we encourage those of us who are less eloquent to be speaking God’s word both to Christians and non-Christians?
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While it is good for the body to serve, how do we manage not burning out as we serve?
Join Raj and Jack as they tackle your questions about love flowing out of 1 John 4: - If love isn't just a feeling, does that mean it's not a feeling at all? - How do we love others when we're running on empty or when we're not feeling loved in return? - How can we think lovingly and wisely about COVID-19 vaccinations?
This episode is the first in our little three week series on Lockdown Life! Join Jack and Candy as they tackle questions such as: - How do we look at things that are unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18)? - As we think about our growth, what is the role of the Holy Spirit? Where does he work? - Why does fighting sin and living by the Spirit just seem so difficult for us, even impossible? - How do we know whether we love God for himself, or just for the things he gives us? - Is God more interested in using suffering to bring unbelievers to himself than to see believers grow?
This week on the Extras, Sam and James are tackling your questions on the end of the book of Joel. We’re answering:
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How do we deal with translation variations?
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If God already dwells with us now, why should we long for heaven?
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How can I know that God is present with me now?
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Will heaven be enjoyable if I don’t love God?
-And more!
In this episode Jack and Raj work through your questions on Joel 3:1-16. We're getting into issues such as: - Swords, battle, harvest, grapes... why does poetry chop and change its imagery so often? How do we keep up? - Why does the Bible talk about mountains and valleys so much? Where is the "Valley of Jehoshaphat"? - Why does God use nations to punish his people, and then judge those same nations for doing what he wanted? Where is the justice? - Can we finally get close to understanding this idea of the "day of the Lord"?
Plus join us in praying about what's going on in Afghanistan at the moment.
A special episode with Candy and Lachlan.
Why does this lockdown feel harder? and where is the hope? An exploration of lockdown 2.0 seven weeks in.
This week on the Extras, Sam and Raj are answering your questions from Joel 2. We’re tackling:
- Why should I care about getting the Spirit?
- Where is the ‘fire and smoke’ at Jesus death if his death is the fulfilment of Joel 2?
- Should we expect dreams and visions on this side of Pentecost?
- How did people in Joel’s day see this chapter fulfilled?
- How do I keep my hope in Jesus when pulled down by suffering?
- What should our ‘method’ of mission look like as we call people to trust in the Lord?
- Please clarify your comments about mental health!
- and more!
This week on the Extras Jack and James get stuck in to your questions about Joel 2:18-27. We're tackling issues like: - Is there any evidence from outside the Bible that the promised land was deluged with new wine, olive oil, and grain? - How does this ancient promise to the nation of Israel relate to me as a 21st century non-Jewish person? - If God sent an army of locusts, did he also send the coronavirus? - If so, how do we make sense of his goodness? - How can we "take every thought captive for Christ" on social media?
This week on the extras, Sam and Raj are tackling your questions from Joel chapter 2:1-17. We’re answering:
· Is the ‘army’ actually locusts? Or an army? · Should we fear God or not? · Is the day of the Lord in Joel the same as in other books? · How do we ‘magnify’ God? · Does God change his mind? · Will God relent? And what part do activities like fasting play? · What is behind the imagery of a trumpet being blown? · And more!
This week we begin a new series as Raj and Jack tackle your questions on Joel chapter 1. We're answering things like: - Is Joel talking about a real locust plague or an army of soldiers or both? - How does Joel 1 relate to other locust plagues in the Bible? - How much of this Old Testament prophecy had already happened in Joel's day and how much is still to come? - How do we understand plagues and disasters that happen today? - What does it mean to lament? Should fasting play a role? - How can Christians lament if we're also told to "rejoice always"?
This week on the Extras, Jack and Sam tackle your questions on Luke 16 and Jesus’ parable of the dishonest manager. We’re answering:
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Does God want us to be shrewd? Or Faithful? Or both?
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How does this parable link to the parables that came before?
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Should we be more discerning with public figures like Lecrae?
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Why does Jesus focus specifically on money?
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How do you be generous when someone isn’t grateful?
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How do you practically avoid the love of money as you earn more?
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What’s the difference between being a good steward who saves and being greedy?
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How do you be generous when you’re struggling financially?
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How should I think about NAIDOC week as a Christian?
This week, Sam and Candy answer questions from Ephesians 5, dealing with covetousness, adultery and repentance, wisdom when living with housemates, internet filters, male/female friendships, fighting sexual immorality, talking about our struggles with sex and how to stay accountable.
This week, Raj and Candy answer some of your questions from Ephesians 4:1-16, including:
- Are apostles and prophets still relevant today, or are they an Old Testament thing?
- Is there an order of importance to gifts, especially with teaching?
- What does it look like to attain unity of faith? Can this be attained in our world, or is this achieved only in the new creation?
- What does speaking the ‘truth in love’ mean?
- If Christians are united by the Gospel, why are there so many different denominations?
- What are your suggestions if we don't know what our gifts are?
- How do we feel valued in the church if we don’t feel like we’re using our gifts?
- How do you find a balance between being willing to serve and reserving energy for the long-tern to avoid burnout?
- What about women preaching? Can we have unity when half the church is exluded from using their gift in the same way men can? What about women service leading?
- If comfort is dangerous for Christians, should we be thinking carefully about lobbying governments to make life easier for Christians and the gospel more acceptable?
This week on the Extras it's our biggest array of questions - ever! We're answering:
- [Verse 2] Who is the ruler of the kingdom of air? How do you get to this conclusion?
- If he's the devil why does he mask himself in purity? [??]
- [Verse 3] “Like the rest we were by nature deserving of wrath” – who is “we” and who is “the rest”?
- [Verse 6] What does it mean that we were raised up with Christ?
- [Verse 10] What are the good works we’re going to do?
- [Verse 12] says circumcision is “done IN the body” not ‘TO the body’ which is how I feel it would normally be put. Is this significant? Just a translation thing?
- [Verse 14] What does it mean that “he himself is our peace”?
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[Verse 15] What does it mean when it says Jesus 'set aside in his flesh the Law with its commands and regulations'? What does it mean that he set them aside 'in his flesh'?
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The scriptures declare that god does not show favouritism [Rom 2:11]. Is the separation and choice of the Jews as gods CHOSEN people, a demonstration of a god that shows favouritism?
- Why were the gentiles once excluded from the hope of God? I understand that it was always gods plan to give salvation first to the Jews and then to the gentiles as it says in Romans 1, but to be honest I just don’t understand why? Why were we as gentiles excluded from the hope of god for so long?
- Could gentiles be saved into God’s family prior to Christ’s death and resurrection? If so how?
- While gentiles are no longer separated from God, is it fair to say that the Jews are now excluded or separated through their rejection of Christ?
- Is there a wall between God and non-Christians? You mentioned that wall to keep people out is bad (the Great Wall and Trump wall), so what about God's wall to keep sinners out of his presence? What actually is on the TV at 8:30?
- I know we shouldnt take God's kindness in saving us via Jesus for granted but what is the point of a loving God creating humanity if he didn't want to try save us?
- If God knows who will receive the gospel, why do we have to live on Earth before having eternal life? Can’t God just send us to our predestined place on the get-go?
- What is faith? How is it different to the belief the devil has for who Jesus is. How is it a gift? If faith is a gift how do we have it and have more of it?
- Hi raj if we are saved what are we accountable for?
- Raj was talking about how we can feel apathy towards the gospel. What should our response be if we are not feeling the zeal for God? 3.1 Reconciliation
- horizontal reconciliation is a great gift of the gospel, but how does that look like taking into account power differences? in individual relationships, but also in larger scale situations (like dominant cultures)?
- Is there any application for broken relationships between people when one is Christian and one is not?
- What does it look like to approach reconciliation and unity where trust has been broken, more particularly in situations of abuse?
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V13-14 tells us the Holy Spirit is given as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until our redemption....so 2 things, do we need to do v15 to 23 in order to be saved? And secondly, why does it seem the spirit is given before the redemption by Jesus’ death?
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What does it mean when his says I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
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What is the 'Spirit of wisdom'? Is it just the wisdom that the Holy Spirit gives?
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Is the spirit of wisdom and revelation in v17 the Holy Spirit? If not, why do people talk about growing in the Holy Spirit?
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Can Raj please explain more what is ‘the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people’? Is it just perfect fellowship with one another? And why should I long for it?
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v22-23 says (I think) that the church is the fullness of Jesus who fills everything in every way. Can you explain what this means?
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In Ephesians 1:23, what does the fullness of Christ mean
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Is it possible for a Christian to "crash"/lose their Salvation if salvation is by grace and faith alone.
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We've got Ephesians 1-6....Are we going to get Ephesians 7,8,9 in the future?
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Are Christians in the majority? "Rebels" of Grace... Should we consider ourselves as the minority now?
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If God's destination is to bring all things to Christ, what about non-Christians? (all questions from the same person).
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What did Raj mean by saying the destination for everyone is Jesus Christ? Because isn’t the destination for some people is hell (Jesus won’t be in hell right)?
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Love in action in Ephesus would have crossed impermeable social boundaries (see also later in the letter). What does this look like for us in our situation and culture (or ways they are similar)?CL.loc.vcf
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Is there a regular prayer meeting to ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may know him better?
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Raj, in your talk you challenged us with a question on what we can do better. In your 35 days with us, is there anything you have noticed in your early stages that we as a church can practically work on doing better, on top of knowing God better?
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Sometimes we strive to grow in the knowledge and we start to become knowledge focused (legalistic) and forget to have personal relationship with God like the Pharisees, how can we have a good balance and not fall into that trap?
This week on the Extras, we've got a bumper holiday edition for you! Heaps of fantastic questions - check them out below! 10 points for those who make it all the way to the end!
Exegetical 1. [v. 2] Hello! What does “the word of the Lord coming to him” look like? ie is God speaking verbally to Elijah? Can we expect to have similar “words”? And if so, what would that look like? 2. [v. 12] Isn’t the comment about death (vs 12) referencing suicide? (Not starvation) 3. [v. 18] The woman (presumably a Baal worshiper) came to Elijah with her dead son, perhaps as a protest ... but also possibly with the thought that Elijah could change her circumstances. Is there a sense that she, though a Baal worshipper, had a hope that the true God would act? 4. Why does the widow blame Elijah? Why does God bring her son back to life? 5. [v. 21] Is there any significance that Elijah identified with the suffering of the mother &/or her son? He ‘stretched’ himself out on the dead boy three times? 6. Do we have the sense that Elijah knew that God would heal the dead boy or, that like Daniel (Dan 3:17,18) he did not like to presume to know what God would do but certainly wanted others to knew that, he knew, that God could act, and perform a miracle? Are we in the West also unwilling to presume to know God’s will but are therefore guilty of assuming that God wouldn’t act? How can we show others in Sydney that we are convinced that God can act? 7. [v. 24] Why is it that when Elijah provides flour and oil does not provoke the same response as the son coming back to life? Why is the flour and water not enough for the woman to say “the word of the LORD from your mouth is the truth”? Presumably there was some time as he boards with her, what was he doing/living like? Was he reflecting God as he lived? 8. [Mark 5] Why is "(she was 12 years old)" added in Mark 5:42? 9. From the Bible reading, why does Jesus ask for them to not spread the word of his good deed with the little girl?
Theological
- Does Baal still exist? That is, are false Gods real? Or just made up by their worshipers?
- Why is jezebel used in reference to sexual immorality? [Rev 2:20, cf. 2 Kgs 9:22, 30]
Application/pastoral
- Can a Christian ever starve to death? Or is the promises of scripture such that it is impossible for Christians to ever starve because God always provides? (Eg 2 cor 9:8)
- Re: the question about Xns starving - how might Philippians 4 (esp v18 I think) factor in?
- What is the place of intervention on behalf of non-believers (non-Christians)? Elijah took the dead son, carried him to his own room, laid him on his bed (perhaps an ‘echo' of the parable of the Good Samaritan). He then ‘cried out’ or pleaded with God twice.
- Why don’t we see God performing miracles today? Or do we, but just not recognise them as such?
- Why does God not bring back the many people for whom prayers for life and health have also been given?
- This passage makes me think of #wakeupolive from about a year ago, with Bethel church joining in prayer for young Olive to be restored to life. How should we think about praying for God to raise people back to life when they die? Is that something we should trust God to perhaps do today, if we ever experience the tragedy of the death of a child?
This week on the Extras Raj Gupta, our new senior minister at St Paul's joins Sam for his first round of answering your questions from Ephesians 1:1-14
We're tackling:
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What does it mean that we are blessed 'in the heavenly places'?
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Vs 13: if Paul referring to us (St Paul's) or to other gentiles, do the blessings in vs 3-12 apply to us or to another audience?
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What does an explosion of blessing look like in our world now? Especially when we're living in such an 'privileged' world right now?
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Does verse 4 mean that we have an unjust god because some are and some aren’t chosen
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If God has determined who is going to know Christ why did God create those who aren't going to know Christ
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If we are only able to know and love God because He chose us and opened our hearts, why doesn’t God choose everyone if he loves them?
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Why is it that God doesn’t determine that everyone’s eyes are opened to the news of the gospel, why is it not everyone saved when we are all just as sinful as each other?
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And more!
This week on the Extras Sam and Jack are tackling a huge batch of questions from Psalm 84 such as: - Are the words for Shield in verse 9 and 11 the same? - What does it mean that God 'withholds no good thing from those who are blameless'? - How does Psalm 84 fit into the bigger book of Psalms? - Does the fact that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit speak into this Psalm? - Are the problems of the world because God withholds blessing? - How do we move from understanding in our heads to understanding with our hearts? - How do you make sure that your response to Christ isn't merely emotional? - How do you find strength from God in that goes beyond a vague feeling of comfort or joy? -And more!
This week on the Extras, Sam and Jack are answering your questions from Psalm 130. We're answering: - What are the songs of ascent? - Why do Psalms repeat some lines? - What is the connection between fearing God and experiencing forgiveness? - God's forgiveness is perfect - how can I truly forgive? - What is the difference between not grumbling and covering up sin? - What are some practical tips to 'fear the Lord'? - And more!
This week on the Extras Jack and Sam are tackling your questions from Proverbs 25
We're answering: - Who was proverbs originally written for? - How to handle translation variations? - Should I live on the corner of a roof? - What does it mean to search out matters that are 'too deep'? - What should I make of the chapter divisions in Proverbs? - How do balance serving others, and not burning out? - How do I be a 'frozen coke' to people in my workplace? - Who should a boss seek to 'refresh'? - And more!
This week on the Extras we're answering some fantastic questions that came during Dan Wu's second talk on proverbs. We're tackling questions on: - Bible translations - How to read proverbs in context - How to be zealous in your relationship with God - and more!
A new year means a new season of The Extras! This week, Sam and Jack are answering questions from our latest series on Proverbs.
For our final episode of 2020, we've got our student preachers alongside Jack to tackle a bunch of questions out of Matthew 13. Thanks for all your questions this year - we hope you have a great Christmas and a happy new year!
This week on the Extras, Sam and Jack work through your questions from Matthew 13:24-43!
This week on the Extras, Jack and Sam are thinking about Matthew 13 and Jesus' parable of the sower. Lots of questions again this week!
Sam and Jack answer a record breaking number of questions this week on the Extras - all out of Matthew chapter 12.
James and Sam answer a huge number of questions from our new series in Matthew's gospel!
This week on the Extras, Sam and Dave are answering your questions from the second week of our series on ‘Church’. We’re tackling: •How do I know if I am not being edified or if I am 'not being easily edified?? Seems like it is hard to tell apart. •What is the difference between edification and evangelism? Even I as a Christian need 'the gospel' and don't know God as well as I should. •What do you mean 'it wasn't really church during COVID?' Did Christ stop advocating for us during COVID? ( Did 1 Cor 1:2 not apply?) •We've spoken a lot about being church in the context of our weekly gathering - but we know that being church goes beyond that. Can you give us some suggestions for how we can be edifying and encouraging as a church beyond the weekly gathering? How can we be a better picture of what church is outside of the Sunday gathering? •Dave used 1 Cor 2:1-2 which talks about proclaiming Jesus crucified and nothing else. He said it was at the heart of church, and placed it at the heart of the PowerPoint diagram. Just wondering why is 'making healthy disciples in ever increasing number to the glory of God' our catchphrase if those verses are central to us? Wouldn't they be a very good executive summary? •Does the church not also play a role in caring and providing for the lost, those outside the church? •We heard tonight that Christ is the centre of the gospel, but that we also need to think vertically to God. Isn't Jesus God as well? The answer being yes, why then do we often refer to God meaning the Father rather than Jesus? Feel free to rephrase the question. •Where does love fit in this structure? Surely we need to show love to those of the world so that they may listen to our evangelistic words (1 Cor 13) as well as loving one another. Harder in COVID times but not impossible.
This week on the Extras, Sam and Andrew answer your questions from the first week of our new series on 'Church'. We're tackling: - What is the difference between 'godly dissatisfaction' and 'godly patience' - Who are the 'rulers and authorities' in Ephesians 3:10? - How did the church keep going in previous pandemics? - What kind of love is John 13:34 talking about? - Is there an important difference between meeting as a whole church and meetings as 'watch parties'?
This week on the Extras, Sam and Andrew are tackling your questions from Romans 8:18-30
- In relation to verse 20, is our world fallen and broken because of sin or because of the curse God placed on it because of sin or both?
- vv23-25 positions as future tense what was positioned as past tense earlier in the chapter. What's going on?
- Does the Ecclesiastes passage referred to have any modern day implications?
- In V20-21, it says that it's according to God's will that we suffer decay, but we are awaiting, in hope, redemption and restoration. How then, with this in mind, could I answer the question "how can you love a God that let's suffering happen?"
This week on The Extras, it's the original team, back together again! Sam and Mike are answering your questions from Romans 8:5-17. We're tackling:
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Who is ‘the Spirit’ referring to in Romans 8? God’s Spirit? The Holy Spirit? Is there a difference?
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How do I know that the Spirit of God is in me? The spirit of God is supposed to be able to overcome anything. If so, why do I continue to be a sinner. If sin persists despite the presence of the spirit in each of us, is sin more powerful than the spirit?
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When Mike was expressing ways that we can confirm that we have the spirit....do we need to answer 'yes' to all three questions? Or can we be a Christian filled with the spirit and not be able to say 'yes' to one or more of the tests from Romans 8?
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If we don't kill sin, can it then become such a great thing in our life that we would then forfeit our identity as God's child? What does it mean for sin to kill us?
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Are there places in the NT that assure us that the Spirit won't leave us? In the OT he is given to people and leaves people as God directs.
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Where's the line for things of the flesh, things like hobbies, health/fitness etc. They're not sinful but can take away time from more godly things. And then how do you deal with it on a mental health aspect e.g. I can go for a 2 hour run and be super happy but struggle to read my Bible for 10 mins a day and feel like a terrible Christian because of it. Hope that makes sense.
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What does it look like to put to death the misdeeds of the body daily?
This week on the Extras, Andrew joins Sam on the Extras to walk through your questions on Romans 8:1-4
Great questions on: - What does it mean to be ‘condemned by the law’? - What is the ‘righteous requirement of the law’? - How is the righteous requirement of the law fulfilled? By Christ for me? Or by the Spirit changing me to love? - Why does the word ‘flesh’ mean different things at different times? - Should I expect progress against sin in my Christian life?
This week on the Extras, Jack and Sam are tackling your questions on Romans 5:12-21
We’re answering: - What is the difference between sin, trespass and iniquity? - What does 5:13 mean when it says 'sin is not charged against anyone's account' without the law? - If all die in Adam, then what about Enoch and Elijah who never died? - If sin is 'natural' then how could God have created us - he can't be in the presence of sin! - Is Adam in heaven? Or Hell?
This week on the Extras,
Sam and Jack are joined by Kara Hartley – the Archdeacon for women in the Sydney Diocese to answer your questions out of a difficult passage – Genesis 34.
We’re answering:
• "Shechem" is also the name of the city (33:18) - is there any significance to Shechem the character sharing his name with the city? • Dinah was Leah's daughter (v. 1) - if she had been Rachel's daughter, would Jacob have responded differently? • Why was Dinah going out to see "the women of the land" (v. 1)? Is there anything significant about that phrase? Was Dinah doing something wrong? • In what sense is this act an outrageous thing in Israel (v. 7)? Doesn't Israel not exist yet? • What do we make of the fact that Jacob's sons use circumcision in particular in their act of deception? (vv. 15-17) • What happens to the women of v. 29? • What happens to Dinah after this chapter? • What about males affected by violence - sexual, domestic, otherwise? • Since violence and silence are not the way to work with injustice, what is a godly response? What is our responsibility when it comes to issues like BLM and racism, domestic violence, the cries of our first nations, refugees, human trafficking... the list goes on and on!
This week on the Extras, Sam and Jack are tackling your questions out of Genesis 30. Lots of big questions this week!
This week on The Extras, Sam Russell and Jack Day are diving in to a great set of questions flowing out of the story of God’s decision to bless Jacob, the deceiver, rather than his older and favourite brother Esau.
We’re tackling: - What is a ‘blessing’? - What is the difference between the ‘blessing’ and the ‘birthright’? - Why does Isaac require food before giving his blessing? - Did Jacob and Esau have other brothers? (verse 29?) - Why does God use deceitful ways to bless? - Is God responsible for the trouble, given that he chose the younger brother? - and more!
This week on the Extras Sam and Jack are answering your questions out of Genesis chapter 25! As God commits himself to bless Isaac no matter what, lots of questions come up – like:
- If God is sovereign, and loving, why does he cause some people to born in places where there is little chance of being saved?
- What role does Abraham’s obedience (25:6) play in God’s decision to bless him?
- Why does the Old testament suggest wealth is a blessing, while the new testament says wealth is futile?
- How does being obedient lead to opportunities to share about Jesus?
- And more!
This week on the Extras, Sam and Jack are tackling your questions from Genesis chapter 25! We’re answering:
- Is there anything special about the colour Red with Esau?
- Does Jacob grow in holiness after experiencing the grace of God?
- What happens to Esau?
- What’s the difference between positional and progressive holiness?
- and more!
This week on the Extras, Sam and Jack are tackling your questions out of 2 Peter 3:10-18. We're asking: - What is the 'Day of God'? - Should we worry about 'signs' of the day? - How literal is Peter's description? - Why does Peter call us to Holiness, rather than to trust Jesus? - Why should the future shape my life now? - What will Christians experience on the day of the Lord? - If God is being mercifully patient - why speed his coming? - How can I understand Paul if Peter can't? - And more!
This week on The Extras, Sam and Jack are working through your questions out of 2 Peter 2 - via distance! We’re slowly working to improve the sound quality as we work in isolation. We’re tackling 2 great questions this week:
- What does it mean to ‘speed it’s coming’ when we’re talking about the return of Jesus?
- Why does Peter encourage us to godly living, rather than to evangelism?
This week on the extras: Sam and Jack are tackling one question - but in a deep way! What will I experience when I die? Will I go into the ground and wait for resurrection? Or will I go to be with Jesus? Tune in as they go deep with this question in response to our easter teaching from John 11.
We pushed pause on The Extras for the last few weeks to get organised for St Paul’s online, but we’re now back on the wagon and keen to answer your questions! This week, Sam and Dave tackle your questions out of 2 Peter chapter 2.
We’re answering:
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Who are the ‘Celestial Beings’ in chapter 2 verse 10? I’m confused!
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What does chapter 2 verse 20 mean?
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Can we lose our salvation?
-And more!
This week on the extras, Sam and Jack are digging deep into some fantastic questions out of John 15 about fruitfulness, ministry and evangelism. We're tackling: - Do we just tell the gospel? Or make disciples? How much are we in control? - What does Jesus mean in verse 24 that if he hadn't come, people would not be guilty of sin? - What is the role of the Holy Spirit in verse 26? Does he witness to the disciple or the world? - Are we in control of our own growth? How much are we responsible? - Is this passage just about evangelism? - Are we too practical, and not focused enough on the head and heart? - If I am considering full time vocational ministry, how do I discern God's will in this area? - and more!
This week on the Extras we've got Mike, Sam and Jack wrestling with a mountain of questions about growing in fruitfulness. We're tackling: - Do we remain in Jesus' word? Or does his word remain in us? - What does Luke 10:38-42 teach us about serving? - How does the greek of verse 3 work? - What if I am not bearing fruit because of doubt? - Is it ok to serve out of duty rather than love? - What are some tips to help us not serve begrudgingly? - How do you serve someone in a difficult season when you are also in a difficult season yourself? - How can married people serve single people, and vice-versa? - How can you encourage people to serve by being generous? - What if your motives aren't pure? Should you serve? - Do we have a problem with people serving too much? - When I try to serve in a new way, I feel like a drain on resources - how can I learn the ropes in a new serving space? - Would all hands on deck help?
This week on the Extras, Sam and Jack have a jam-packed episode full of questions out of Sunday's sermon on growing in Christ's word. We're tackling: - What does it mean that the Spirit wrote the Bible? -How do we know the Spirit is reading 'with us'? -How is reading the Bible different to reading any other book? -How does God's word make us 'clean'? -Why should Fathers in particular teach their kids the Bible? -Does God answer all prayers? What about Jesus' prayer in the garden before he died? -What does it look like to pray in-line with God's will? -Why wouldn't God answer a prayer for a family member to come to Christ? -What are some tools that I can use to pray?
This week on the Extras, Jack and Sam tackle questions coming out of the first sermon in our 'Healthy Things Grow' sermon series. We're answering: - What happened between God and Jesus at the point of Jesus' death? - What significance is there in the metaphor of 'vine' Jesus' chooses? - What is orthodoxy? - All sorts of things can cause us to lose our Joy, right? - And much more!
On a special summer episode of the Extras, Sam and Jack are tackling all the tough questions coming out of Sunday's sermon on 'Why is there evil in the world?' Lots of questions - so let's get into it!
This week on the Extras Gary and Sam tackle 3 final questions for 2019. Thanks for all your questions throughout the year! We'll be back in term 1 2020. This week we're tackling: - What is Jesus referring to by 'these things' in verse 25? - Are the 10 commandments rules? And do rules make a relationship with God? - Are miracles a necessary pre-condition for belief in God?
This week on the Extras, Gary and Sam answer your questions from Matthew 10:16-42. We've got a shorter than usual episode, where we're tackling: - Why are we to be like serpents? Aren't they bad? - What is the prophet's reward? - Is this passage for us? Or for the disciples? - What happens in hell? Destruction? Or eternal punishment? - What if I disown Jesus under pressure? - And more!
This week on the Extras, Bishop-Elect Gary Koo joins Sam on the Extras to talk about becoming the next bishop of Western Sydney. He's also (mainly) here to answer your questions out of Matthew Chapter 10! We're answering: - What does a willing harvest worker look like? - How do you know when it's time to leave a church? - Gary speaks to his decision making process here - What is the role of signs and wonders in Matthew's gospel and the Bible more generally? - Is preaching the gospel enough? - What does it mean to have your 'peace rest on a house'? - Why is the punishment of v15 so severe? - What does it mean to 'shake the dust off' your feet?
This week on The Extras, Jack and Sam are answering your questions from Matthew 9:14-34! We're tackling: - Does Isaiah 58 help make sense of fasting in Matthew 9? - What does it mean that Jesus will be 'taken away'? - How can God do 'something new' since he never changes? - Wasn't Jesus always the plan? How can he be 'something new'? - Was the 'ruler' a synagogue ruler? Or something else? - Why does Jesus command people not to talk about him? - Why do the people in verse 31 disobey Jesus? - What role do demons play in health issues today? - Does John the baptist really not know if Jesus was the one? - and more!
This week it's a huge episode of the extras! Sam and Jack are tackling oodles of your questions from Matthew chapter 8. We're answering: - Does Jesus really have nowhere to rest his head? - Where did the demons go after all the pigs died? - When is the 'appointed time' in verse 29? - Why were people farming pigs in Israel? - What's a miracle and how can we identify them? - If Jesus didn't have authority over the natural or supernatural world, would that make a difference? - How do we balance being saved by grace with Jesus' call to give up everything and follow him? - What happens if I don't give up everything to follow Jesus? - Why is there such a big cost to following Jesus? It seems exclusive! - How can I tell if doing something for my family would be going against God? - How does this passage square with Mark 7:11? - How do I talk to someone I'm concerned is neglecting their family because of ministry?
This week on the Extras, Jack and Sam are answer your questions from Matthew 8:1-17. We’re tackling: - Why doesn’t Jesus want people to know about his miracles? - Why does Jesus want the healed leper to go and do the rituals required by the Levitical law? - Why do some versions of the Bible translate verse 7 differently? - Verse 12 talks about subjects of the kingdom being thrown into darkness – who is that referring to? - Why does Isaiah’s prophecy in use the past tense? - How do we balance Jesus command to welcome an outsider with the Bible’s command to not welcome a false teacher? - How do we love and care for people with long term chronic illness or pain?
On this final episode of the extras for Term 3 2019, Mike is back in the chair with Sam, and the guys are working through your questions from Romans 4. We're tackling: - How does Romans 2:6-7 work with Romans 4? - What is the place of religious rituals if they don't justify us? - What does v15 mean when it says 'where there is no law, there is no transgression' - Why does God tell us not to get angry, while he is allowed to get angry?
This week on the Extras, James Chen is back with Sam, answering your questions on Romans 3:21-26. We're tackling: - How can I be sure about my salvation when I struggle to trust God? - Is God's righteousness revealed or demonstrated? or both? - Why are some Psalms repeated in the Bible (question from a previous week) - Which members of the trinity get angry? Is it just God the Father? Or God the Son and Spirit too? - Did Jesus go to Hell? - And more!
This week on the Extras, James Chen joins Sam as a special guest presenter on the extras while Mike enjoys some well earned time away. We're answering your questions on Romans 3:1-20 including: - Is faith a 'work' - What about if I'm a mix of the two sons in Luke 15? - Does the older son in Luke 15 have a relationship with the Father? - Are Jews and Gentiles judged by the same standard? - Could someone ever obey God's law? - What 'good' is 3:12 speaking about? - Can the Holy Spirit help us seek God? - Can people from other religions go to heaven? - What is the answer to Paul's question in 3:4-8? - And more?
This week on the Extras, Mike and Sam are tackling questions out of Romans chapter 2. We're answering: - Is the punishment for sinners really eternal? - Are there different levels of punishment? - How is an eternal punishment a fair result for a finite amount of sin? - What is the 'law' that gentiles have - mentioned in 2:14? - What about those who have never heard the message of the cross? - Will Christians have all the secrets of their hearts revealed? - and more!
This week on the Extras, Sam and Mike answer your questions from Romans 1:18-32. In a bumper issue of the Extras, we're tackling: - Who is the the 'they' in the passage? Who is this describing? - How can Romans say that all people know God, while other passages say that people don't know him? - What about people who've never heard the gospel? - When does God give people over? - Why does God give people over to their sin, and not protect them? - How can God not be angry and forgive people? - How much should Christians get involved in social issues in the world? - Can you be a Christian and not believe this passage?
This week on the Extras Sam and Mike unpack and answer your questions from Romans 1:14-17. We're answering: - How does the Habakkuk quote help? - Why does Paul keep talking about Greeks? - Who are the Barbarians? - How do we understand from 'faith to faith'? - How do we help people see they need saving?
This week on the Extras, Sam and Mike dive deep (real deep!) into Romans 1:1-13. We're tackling: - How are we meant to understand the 'obedience of faith'? Are there other passages that talk about it? - What is the Spirit's role in Jesus' Lordship? - How do we see the Holy Spirit at work? - If Jesus was always God's plan, did God's plan involve us sinning? - If Jesus becomes the 'Son of God in power' at his resurrection, what does that mean for him beforehand? Was he less powerful? -And more!
This week on the Extras, Mike and Sam are answering your questions from our first week of the Romans series. We're tackling:
- How does God's righteousness and fairness fit with the fact that he doesn't choose everyone to be saved?
- Can God use wickedness for his righteous purposes?
- How can Paul impart a spiritual gift (Romans 1:11) Isn't that God's job?
- Did a prophecy in Acts 21 shape Paul's content in the book of Romans?
In this special episode of The Extras, Sam and Mike continue to get familiar with the book of Romans. In this third instalment introducing the book of Romans we're thinking about how long-form arguments work, and particularly how chapters 1-4 form one, cascading argument up to the first peak of the book. Strap in!
In this special episode of the Extras, Sam and Mike are continuing to dig into the background of the letter to the Romans. We're looking at the themes of - The Gospel - The righteousness of God - Faith
In this special episode of the Extras, Sam and Mike help you find your bearings in the letter to the Romans. Strap in! We're asking: - Who wrote it? - Who received it? - How did Christianity get to Rome? - What was the occasion of the letter?
This week on the Extras we're wrapping up the Genesis series! What a great term we've had - we've got a few final questions like: - What does it mean that Abraham was 'gathered to his fathers'? - What verses in the Bible can I lean on to be confident of forgiveness? - What is God's definition of blessing? And then we're looking ahead to term 3 in Romans. We've got more helpful resources coming your way!
This week on the Extras, Mike and Sam are answering your questions from Genesis chapter 22. We’re answering:
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What’s the difference between temptation and a test?
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How did Isaac react to the test?
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Is the angel of the Lord God?
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How can Jesus trust God if he is God?
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Is the blessing to Abraham in chapter 22 conditional?
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How can Isaac be Abraham’s ‘only son’ given that Ishmael has been born?
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Is the third day (22:4) significant?
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Does Mark 10:29-30 imply a ‘get rich quick scheme’?
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Is it better to be single or married?
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and more!
This week on the Extras, Mike, Jack and Sam answer your questions on Genesis 20-21 We're answering: - Is it ok that Sarah is actually Abraham's sister? - Why isn't Ishmael ever named in chapter 21? - 1 Chronicles 1 talks about lots of other descendants of Abraham - who are Abraham's descendants? - What ends up happening to the Ishmaelites? Are they the Arab people? And more!
This week Mike, Jack and Sam answer your questions from Genesis 18 and 19. We're answering - Who are the three visitors? Are they the Trinity? - Could the women in the city have been righteous? - Are we more likely to believe God than Lot and his family? - Why didn't Lot return to Abraham? - When was Genesis written? - Is hell real? -Is drug use ok for Christians? -And more!
This week on the Extras, Sam, Naomi, Mike and Jack answer your questions on Genesis 17. We're tackling: - What do we make of the various translations of verse 19? - Lots of questions on circumcision - Is there a sign of the new covenant? - What's the place of works in this covenant with Abraham?
This week on the Extras, Sam and Jack are answering your questions from Genesis 15&16! We're tackling: - How can sinful people believe in God's word? - What is the word of the Lord? - How can I understand the ceremony of 15:10-21? - How does crediting with righteousness relate to blessing? - What are we to make of Sarai's actions in chapter 16? - What does the prophecy about Ishmael refer to? - And more! We thought this was our 25th Episode. It is in fact our 26th! We are clearly older than we thought. Thanks for listening everyone!
This week on the Extras, Sam and Jack are answering your questions from Genesis 13 & 14. We’re answering:
· Who are Abraham’s mates in chapter 14 and what was their role in the battle?
· What is God's role and my role in any success that I might have?
· And heaps of questions about Melchizedek!
This week on the Extras, Jack Mike and Sam answer questions from Genesis 12:11-13:18, covering topics such as: Is a 65-year-old woman beautiful? Does God bless us with material wealth? What should my motivation for serving others be? Is blessing something God does, or I do? Is Lot righteous or wicked?
This week on the Extras, Sam, Mike and Naomi tackle your questions from Genesis 12.
We answer: Are years in the Bible the same as years in our culture? How is Abraham himself a blessing? What is the Negev? Why did Abraham take people with him? How are all people blessed through Abraham? Does the blessing and curse of verse 3 apply to us? Or Just to Abraham?
This week on the Extras, Sam and Mike are answering your questions on Colossians 3:1-14.
We’re tackling:
What does it mean that we are renewed in knowledge? Is there sex in Heaven? What role does drunkenness play in sins like sexual immorality and slander? What does it mean that ‘Christ is all and is in all’? What is gentleness?
This week on the Extras, Mike and Sam are answering your questions from Colossians 1:24-2:5
We’re tackling:
· How does 2:2 fit together?
· How could we support struggling and persecuted Christians?
· Should I seek to be persecuted?
· Why did Paul’s name change?
· Should we share our faith like Paul? Or be a bit more subtle?
· And more!
Episode 20 - Colossians 1:15-23
This week on the Extras, Sam is joined by special guests Gary Koo and Pip Witheridge. We’re tackling your questions on:
- How do I know God’s will in my decisions?
- Which truths did the Colossians struggle with?
- What does Colossians say about Hell?
- I struggle with anxiety in my Christian life - help!
The Extras is back for 2019! We’ve started a new series in Colossians and we’re excited to answer your questions as they come in.
This week we’re thinking about Colossians 1:1-8 and we’re answering:
· Who are Christians called to love?
· What is the place of our example in evangelism?
· What role does the Holy Spirit play in God’s revelation of himself?
· Why is the cross so important?
· What about if someone never becomes a Christian?
· What is the difference between Arminianism and hyper-calvinism?
· And more!
This week it’s a bumper final issue of the Extras for 2018. Sam and Mike tackle the last round of your questions from the Sermon on the Mount. Merry Christmas and thanks for listening in 2018! This week we’re answering: • Are only a small number of people going to be saved? • Should we teach kids about difficult topics? • Are people annihilated in hell? • Why doesn’t Jesus just not send people to hell? • What if I don’t produce fruit? • How do works and faith work in protestant thinking? • How do we tell if someone is really a Christian? • What hope do I have if I can’t stop sinning? • Can I have assurance if Jesus sends people who’ve served him away? • And more!
This week on the Extras, Sam and Mike answer your questions from Matthew 7:1-12! We're tackling: • Is there a judgment for the Christian? • Does God view all sin as the same? • LOTS of questions about pearls to pigs • What ‘good gifts’ are promised by God in verse 11? • And more!
This week on the Extras, Sam and Mike answer your questions from Matthew 6:19-34!
We’re tackling:
· What is the treasure Jesus is talking about?
· What does Jesus mean when he’s talking about our eyes?
· What happens to someone’s treasure if they fall away?
· What about if I have an anxiety disorder?
· Will we be better dressed than Solomon?
· Do we still need to work for food? Or will God just provide?
· What about those who God doesn’t provide for?
· And more!
This week on the Extras, while Mike takes a well deserved break, Sam and Gary are answering your questions from the sermon on the mount!
We answer:
What rewards is Jesus talking about?
How do you check your motives in public parts of your faith?
Fasting?
Should I praise others?
How do I think about other people’s motivations?
Is it ok to fake it til you make it?
And many more!
This week Sam and Mike discuss your questions on Matthew 5:13-48. Read along here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5&version=HCSB
We’re answering:
· Has Jesus fulfilled every part of the law and the prophets?
· How hard is it to be more righteous than a Pharisee?
· What does ‘you have heard it said’ refer to?
· Is it ok to call someone a fool?
· How does Matthew 5:22 fit with the transfiguration?
· Has some of the law been abolished?
This week on the Extras, Sam and Mike are answering your questions from Matthew 5:1-12.
We answer:
What does righteousness mean? Who is the sermon on the mount addressed to? How do persecution and the Kingdom of God go together?
This week Sam and Mike discuss your questions on Revelation 21-22 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+21-22&version=HCSB
If you’d like to see the Bible Project video on heaven you can find it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy2AQlK6C5k
We’re answering:
· What kind of splendour do people bring into heaven?
· What is ‘heaven’ referring to?
· How does heaven ‘renew’ if it passes away?
· What does it mean to ‘take something away’ from the prophecy of revelation?
· What will it look like to reign and serve God in heaven?
· What kind of rewards do we get in heaven?
· What is revelation 22:11 talking about?
· And more!
This week on the Extras, Mike and Sam are answering your questions from Revelation 19 and 20.
We answer:
· Why does God permit Satan’s deception?
· Is the rider on the white horse the same one as in Rev 6:1-2?
· If the millennium is now, how does the resurrection of the martyrs work?
· Are you a martyr if you don’t die for Christ?
· If the millennium is now why do the martyrs have authority to judge now?
· Isn’t Jesus the judge? Why are martyrs judging?
· Do we reign with Christ in the new creation, or just in the millennium?
· How does ‘Judged on works’ work with other bits of the Bible?
This week on the Extras, Sam and Mike are tackling your questions from Revelation 17-18.
We answer:
· What does the ‘widow’ image refer to in Rev 18:7?
· Why does Revelation sometimes explain it’s imagery, and other times not?
· What does ‘Jesus you will overcome’ mean in the new song we’ve been singing?
· Are Non-Christian people also in the image of God?
This week on the Extras – we’re answering your questions from Revelation 12-14 on: - Where (and when) did the devil come from? - What do all the numbers mean? - Does God give ‘permission’ for evil? - What does it mean that ‘their works will follow them’ - Isn’t harvest imagery normally good? - How do we make sense of Revelation 14:4 - Did John believe Nero was coming back to life? - Who has dominion over hell? - Is secular culture from the devil? - How should I warn someone about sexual immorality? - And others!
This week’s episode deals with questions from our series in the book of Revelation. We’ve got questions on: • How is God loving if he judges? • Does God want to harden or soften hearts? • How much of the Old Testament did the original readers of revelation have? • Who are the angels in Revelation 9:14-15? • Why does no one repent at the end of chapter 9? • How are Christians protected from God’s judgment? And more!
Sam and Mike are back with the Extras for term 3 2018! The Extras takes the questions asked by night church during the Sunday service that aren’t answered during the live question time at church. If you’ve got a question from a Sunday talk that you’d like answered you can send it in to theextras@stpaulsanglican.org.au
Sam and Mike are back with the Extras for term 3 2018! The Extras takes the questions asked by night church during the Sunday service that aren’t answered during the live question time at church. If you’ve got a question from a Sunday talk that you’d like answered you can send it in to theextras@stpaulsanglican.org.au
This week’s episode deals with questions from our new series in the book of Revelation. We’ve got questions on: • Who are the four horsemen? • Who are the four winds? • Why is there a tribe missing from Israel? • Why is Judah the first tribe mentioned? • Why do both God and Satan mark/seal people? • Why must there be so much suffering within God’s plan?
Episode 6!
This week on the Extras Mike and Sam are back answering your questions, this time from Proverbs chapter 8. We’ve got questions on:
Is wisdom a secret 4th wheel to the Trinity? Was Jesus created and are the JW’s right? Why don’t more people find God? How much should Christians speak up on social issues?
Welcome to episode 5! This week we tackle our biggest number of questions yet – all about Money, time, and relationships. We’re answering your questions on:
• The 80/20 rule when it comes to giving in churches • Buying a house in Sydney • Owning an investment property • Having a mortgage • Depression • Slackness in one area of life • Self help books • Doing more ministry • Church attendance • Time for yourself • Christian Denominational disunity • How to express hurt to someone who has sinned against you
During the episode we mention that we love this book: http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/wisdom-in-leadership Do yourself a favour and read it!
Episode 4! This week we’re dealing with your questions about sex! Proverbs 5-7 sets up a stark contrast of sex within marriage leading to life, and sex outside marriage leading to death. We’ve got questions on: - Sexual abuse - Beauty - When to get married - Talking to your teenage kids about sex - Singleness
This week on the Extras we’re into Proverbs chapter 3! We’ve got a special guest along for the ride, and as always, we’re dealing with your questions.
We’re answering: Will honouring God with your wealth make you wealthier? How can you tell when God is disciplining you? Is God’s discipline the same as superstition? Is it actually possibly to live out the proverbs given our sinfulness?
Our second episode!
This week on The Extras we are back answering your questions - this time from Proverbs chapter 2.
You asked about:
What is the difference between wisdom and godliness? Does the ‘forbidden woman’ necessarily refer to sexual sin? How did people before Jesus think about wisdom and good choices? Is Instagram wise? How should I be wise in my friendships?
Thanks for listening!
Welcome to our first episode! This week we talk about: Is wisdom the same as fearing the Lord? Is proverbs for Christians or non-Christians? Why is Wisdom female?