God Questions | Honest Answers: Recent Episodes
Ross & Mark
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 028Forgiveness is a God-given command for Christians, but it's important to understand that forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same. While forgiveness is necessary, it doesn't always result in reconciliation, which requires both parties to forgive and accept forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, and it's important to act wisely in certain situations where forgetting may not be advisable. Ross and Mark also discuss the challenge of forgiving those who do not seek forgiveness or continue to harm, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's forgiveness of us through Christ and the impact it has on our relationships and personal growth. Listen to what they have to say...
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 028Forgiveness is a God-given command for Christians, but it's important to understand that forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same. While forgiveness is necessary, it doesn't always result in reconciliation, which requires both parties to forgive and accept forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, and it's important to act wisely in certain situations where forgetting may not be advisable. Ross and Mark also discuss the challenge of forgiving those who do not seek forgiveness or continue to harm, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's forgiveness of us through Christ and the impact it has on our relationships and personal growth. Listen to what they have to say...
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 27In part 3 of their series on end times, Ross and Mark explore the topic of how the world will end. Despite differing opinions, it's possible to remain friends and not let these views divide one another. They discuss various approaches to understanding the end times, including the concept of the Millennial Kingdom, and the different views on Christ's return and the Millennium, such as premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism. There is importance of interpreting Revelation and having a view, but not being dogmatic about it, and they encourage listeners to focus on having a relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 27In part 3 of their series on end times, Ross and Mark explore the topic of how the world will end. Despite differing opinions, it's possible to remain friends and not let these views divide one another. They discuss various approaches to understanding the end times, including the concept of the Millennial Kingdom, and the different views on Christ's return and the Millennium, such as premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism. There is importance of interpreting Revelation and having a view, but not being dogmatic about it, and they encourage listeners to focus on having a relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 26Ross and Mark continue in their mini series on End Times. Today's episode is on Jesus's return and the absolute truths about it based on Scripture. Christ's return will be personal, visible, and imminent. They also share their personal excitement and confident expectation of Jesus's return based on biblical scripture, emphasizing God's love and personal presence, the restoration of all history, and the glorious nature of Jesus's return. Join us next week for a continuation on our mini series.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 26Ross and Mark continue in their mini series on End Times. Today's episode is on Jesus's return and the absolute truths about it based on Scripture. Christ's return will be personal, visible, and imminent. They also share their personal excitement and confident expectation of Jesus's return based on biblical scripture, emphasizing God's love and personal presence, the restoration of all history, and the glorious nature of Jesus's return. Join us next week for a continuation on our mini series.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 25Ross and Mark discuss the end times and the importance of being prepared for them. They explain that the end times refer to the signs of the end of the world and the return of Jesus, and emphasize that no one knows the exact timing of his return. They encourage listeners to focus on their relationship with God and be ready, while warning against believing anyone claiming to know the exact date or hour.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 25Ross and Mark discuss the end times and the importance of being prepared for them. They explain that the end times refer to the signs of the end of the world and the return of Jesus, and emphasize that no one knows the exact timing of his return. They encourage listeners to focus on their relationship with God and be ready, while warning against believing anyone claiming to know the exact date or hour.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 24Ross and Mark discuss the question of whether all religions lead to the same destination and if Jesus is the only way to God. They acknowledge the complexity of the question and focus on the aspect of Jesus's claim to be the only way to God. They also touch upon the historical significance of Jesus's resurrection as evidence of his divinity and the unique aspect of Christianity, where God comes down to save humanity. They conclude that Jesus is the only way, truth, and life that sets us free.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 24Ross and Mark discuss the question of whether all religions lead to the same destination and if Jesus is the only way to God. They acknowledge the complexity of the question and focus on the aspect of Jesus's claim to be the only way to God. They also touch upon the historical significance of Jesus's resurrection as evidence of his divinity and the unique aspect of Christianity, where God comes down to save humanity. They conclude that Jesus is the only way, truth, and life that sets us free.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 23Did Jesus claim to be God, or was that attributed to Him after his death? Ross and Mark discuss the authenticity of Jesus' claims to divinity, addressing the Mass Hallucination Theory and examining the Gospels. They argue that Jesus' use of the phrase "I am" and his teachings about fulfilling Old Testament prophecies revealed his divine nature, leading to confrontations with religious leaders and attempts on his life. Ultimately, Jesus' claim to be God was the primary reason for his trial and crucifixion, but his death and Resurrection proved his power over sin and death, solidifying his divine nature. Consider the truth of Jesus' claim and its impact on your life.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 23Did Jesus claim to be God, or was that attributed to Him after his death? Ross and Mark discuss the authenticity of Jesus' claims to divinity, addressing the Mass Hallucination Theory and examining the Gospels. They argue that Jesus' use of the phrase "I am" and his teachings about fulfilling Old Testament prophecies revealed his divine nature, leading to confrontations with religious leaders and attempts on his life. Ultimately, Jesus' claim to be God was the primary reason for his trial and crucifixion, but his death and Resurrection proved his power over sin and death, solidifying his divine nature. Consider the truth of Jesus' claim and its impact on your life.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 22Is God sexist? Ross and Mark discuss the portrayal of women in the Bible and God's love for them. They clarify that God does not dislike women and highlight examples of key women in the Bible. They emphasize the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts to avoid misunderstandings, and encourage listeners to focus on God's equal love for all people, as expressed in Galatians 3:26-28.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 22Is God sexist? Ross and Mark discuss the portrayal of women in the Bible and God's love for them. They clarify that God does not dislike women and highlight examples of key women in the Bible. They emphasize the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts to avoid misunderstandings, and encourage listeners to focus on God's equal love for all people, as expressed in Galatians 3:26-28.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 21In this episode, Ross and Mark engage in a discussion about the practice of praying for the deceased. They delve into biblical teachings and the absence of explicit instructions in Scripture for praying for those who have passed away. Through their conversation, they conclude that the Bible does not advocate for this practice. Instead, they suggest that believers should direct their prayers toward supporting and comforting the living, particularly those who are grieving the loss.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 21In this episode, Ross and Mark engage in a discussion about the practice of praying for the deceased. They delve into biblical teachings and the absence of explicit instructions in Scripture for praying for those who have passed away. Through their conversation, they conclude that the Bible does not advocate for this practice. Instead, they suggest that believers should direct their prayers toward supporting and comforting the living, particularly those who are grieving the loss.
In this episode, Ross and Mark talk about what the Bible says about prayer and discuss the importance and uniqueness of personal prayer to God. They emphasize that prayer is a personal communication between you and God, and it doesn't have to follow a specific formula or measure up to anyone else's prayers. It can be done at any time, with eyes open or closed, and it's not limited to specific places or people. They encourage intentional practice in different types of prayers, such as supplication, confession, and adoration. Find what works best for you in building a deeper relationship with God through personal prayer.
In this episode, Ross and Mark talk about what the Bible says about prayer and discuss the importance and uniqueness of personal prayer to God. They emphasize that prayer is a personal communication between you and God, and it doesn't have to follow a specific formula or measure up to anyone else's prayers. It can be done at any time, with eyes open or closed, and it's not limited to specific places or people. They encourage intentional practice in different types of prayers, such as supplication, confession, and adoration. Find what works best for you in building a deeper relationship with God through personal prayer.
Ross and Mark discuss the topic of church attire, reflecting on cultural shifts towards more casual expectations and the importance of tradition. While dressing up for church is a sign of respect, God values the condition of one's heart above their clothing. The Bible does not provide a specific dress code, and they encourage church-goers to use discernment when deciding what to wear, considering both tradition and their heart condition. Ultimately, the church is a welcoming place where people can encounter God and focus on worshiping Him, regardless of their attire.
Ross and Mark discuss the topic of church attire, reflecting on cultural shifts towards more casual expectations and the importance of tradition. While dressing up for church is a sign of respect, God values the condition of one's heart above their clothing. The Bible does not provide a specific dress code, and they encourage church-goers to use discernment when deciding what to wear, considering both tradition and their heart condition. Ultimately, the church is a welcoming place where people can encounter God and focus on worshiping Him, regardless of their attire.
GQHA | How did we get our Bible?In the podcast episode, Mark and Ross delve into the process of how the Bible was compiled, discussing the individuals and groups involved in its formation. They also talk about the inclusion and exclusion of certain books maintaining the historical accuracy of the text, shedding light on the historical and theological debates that shaped the Bible as we know it today.
GQHA | How did we get our Bible?In the podcast episode, Mark and Ross delve into the process of how the Bible was compiled, discussing the individuals and groups involved in its formation. They also talk about the inclusion and exclusion of certain books maintaining the historical accuracy of the text, shedding light on the historical and theological debates that shaped the Bible as we know it today.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 16In this episode, Mark and Ross dive into a viewer's question: "Should I watch 'The Chosen'?" It's all about whether Christians should watch biblical shows like "The Chosen" and what kind of mindset they should have while watching them. They get into how these shows can be helpful for imagining and getting a sense of the setting of Bible stories, but they remind us to keep our discernment hats on, making sure what we watch lines up with the Bible, because at the end of the day, God's Word is where the truth's at.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 16In this episode, Mark and Ross dive into a viewer's question: "Should I watch 'The Chosen'?" It's all about whether Christians should watch biblical shows like "The Chosen" and what kind of mindset they should have while watching them. They get into how these shows can be helpful for imagining and getting a sense of the setting of Bible stories, but they remind us to keep our discernment hats on, making sure what we watch lines up with the Bible, because at the end of the day, God's Word is where the truth's at.
In the GQHA Season 2 Kickoff, hosts Ross and Mark welcome listeners back. The purpose of the podcast, which is to answer listeners' questions about God honestly, remains the same. The duo shares a few fun updates and also that Ross now serves as lead senior pastor at their church. Ross and Mark invite viewers to send in their God questions via email.
In the GQHA Season 2 Kickoff, hosts Ross and Mark welcome listeners back. The purpose of the podcast, which is to answer listeners' questions about God honestly, remains the same. The duo shares a few fun updates and also that Ross now serves as lead senior pastor at their church. Ross and Mark invite viewers to send in their God questions via email.
God Questions Honest Answers | Episode 014Tune in for our Season 1 recap! Ross and Mark share their favorite and least favorite questions from Season 1 and have a few laughs.
God Questions Honest Answers | Episode 014Tune in for our Season 1 recap! Ross and Mark share their favorite and least favorite questions from Season 1 and have a few laughs.
God Questions Honest Answers | Episode 013In this episode, Mark and Ross take on a question from one of our listeners in the police force. If the Bible commands us not to kill, how how do military and police personnel reconcile the use of lethal force in their professions? Is there a difference between killing and murder, or is it all the same in God’s eyes? Jesus lived as a peacemaker. Can the military and police be seen as peacemakers also? Tune in to hear Mark and Ross weigh in with their honest answers.
God Questions Honest Answers | Episode 013In this episode, Mark and Ross take on a question from one of our listeners in the police force. If the Bible commands us not to kill, how how do military and police personnel reconcile the use of lethal force in their professions? Is there a difference between killing and murder, or is it all the same in God’s eyes? Jesus lived as a peacemaker. Can the military and police be seen as peacemakers also? Tune in to hear Mark and Ross weigh in with their honest answers.
God Questions Honest Answers | Episode 012In this week's episode, Mark and Ross work through the question of what to do if we disagree with something in the Bible. It's becoming more and more common to build one's own "religion" by piecing together things we like and rejecting what we don't like. As Christ followers who are committed to growing our faith, what steps can we take when faced with passages in Scripture that we would rather ignore? Is it ok to have doubts? What if we never find an answer? Can we still follow Jesus? Tune in to hear Mark and Ross wrestle with these questions and give listeners a framework for navigating through doubts while still being faithful to God and truth of Scripture.
God Questions Honest Answers | Episode 012In this week's episode, Mark and Ross work through the question of what to do if we disagree with something in the Bible. It's becoming more and more common to build one's own "religion" by piecing together things we like and rejecting what we don't like. As Christ followers who are committed to growing our faith, what steps can we take when faced with passages in Scripture that we would rather ignore? Is it ok to have doubts? What if we never find an answer? Can we still follow Jesus? Tune in to hear Mark and Ross wrestle with these questions and give listeners a framework for navigating through doubts while still being faithful to God and truth of Scripture.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 11In this week's episode, Mark and Ross take on a great question from one of their listeners: "How do you go deeper during Bible study time?" The guys share their favorite tools, resources and habit shifts to help equip us toward a deeper understanding and application of God's Word.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 11In this week's episode, Mark and Ross take on a great question from one of their listeners: "How do you go deeper during Bible study time?" The guys share their favorite tools, resources and habit shifts to help equip us toward a deeper understanding and application of God's Word.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 10In this week's episode, Mark and Ross discuss a specific question on the topic of prayer - who should we address our prayers to - God the Father, the Son or the Holy Spirit? This listener submitted question gives Mark and Ross a chance to delve deeper into the Trinity, breaking down the three persons of God a little further for our listeners. Is there a "right" or "formalized" way to pray? Is there a prayer structure Christians should follow? What about the Lord's Prayer, which Jesus gave specifically to us in Scripture as an example? Mark and Ross take time to share their own honest answers when it comes to what God is truly looking for in our prayers - a humble heart yearning to deepen our relationship with Him.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 10In this week's episode, Mark and Ross discuss a specific question on the topic of prayer - who should we address our prayers to - God the Father, the Son or the Holy Spirit? This listener submitted question gives Mark and Ross a chance to delve deeper into the Trinity, breaking down the three persons of God a little further for our listeners. Is there a "right" or "formalized" way to pray? Is there a prayer structure Christians should follow? What about the Lord's Prayer, which Jesus gave specifically to us in Scripture as an example? Mark and Ross take time to share their own honest answers when it comes to what God is truly looking for in our prayers - a humble heart yearning to deepen our relationship with Him.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 10In this week's episode, Mark and Ross discuss a specific question on the topic of prayer - who should we address our prayers to - God the Father, the Son or the Holy Spirit? This listener submitted question gives Mark and Ross a chance to delve deeper into the Trinity, breaking down the three persons of God a little further for our listeners. Is there a "right" or "formalized" way to pray? Is there a prayer structure Christians should follow? What about the Lord's Prayer, which Jesus gave specifically to us in Scripture as an example? Mark and Ross take time to share their own honest answers when it comes to what God is truly looking for in our prayers - a humble heart yearning to deepen our relationship with Him.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 009In this week's episode, Mark and Ross tackle another listener question - "Is the Old Testament still relevant?" - and leave us with a challenge. Christians are no longer bound by Old Testament laws since Jesus took our sin on the cross and gave us a New Covenant. Does this mean we should ignore the Old Testament completely? There are some confusing, repetitive portions of the OT that are difficult to read and may not seem necessary to grow one's faith. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is God breathed and useful in our walk with Christ. Mark and Ross delve into why this verse is so true and encourage listeners to recognize the relevance of the whole Bible, why context matters, and how it all points to Jesus.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 009In this week's episode, Mark and Ross tackle another listener question - "Is the Old Testament still relevant?" - and leave us with a challenge. Christians are no longer bound by Old Testament laws since Jesus took our sin on the cross and gave us a New Covenant. Does this mean we should ignore the Old Testament completely? There are some confusing, repetitive portions of the OT that are difficult to read and may not seem necessary to grow one's faith. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is God breathed and useful in our walk with Christ. Mark and Ross delve into why this verse is so true and encourage listeners to recognize the relevance of the whole Bible, why context matters, and how it all points to Jesus.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 6In this episode, Mark and Ross tackle an often debated question about whether or not the church should be involved in politics. They delve into a discussion on what Scripture has to say about the role and primary mission of the church - to make disciples, build God's kingdom on earth, grow in Biblical knowledge and serve one another. Christians get to be the hands and feet of Jesus, taking our cue from His life and time on earth found in Scripture. Mark and Ross also talk about if and how Christians should be involved in politics individually. What is our responsibility as Christians living and engaging in our world?
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 6In this episode, Mark and Ross tackle an often debated question about whether or not the church should be involved in politics. They delve into a discussion on what Scripture has to say about the role and primary mission of the church - to make disciples, build God's kingdom on earth, grow in Biblical knowledge and serve one another. Christians get to be the hands and feet of Jesus, taking our cue from His life and time on earth found in Scripture. Mark and Ross also talk about if and how Christians should be involved in politics individually. What is our responsibility as Christians living and engaging in our world?
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 5In this episode, Mark and Ross tackle the "why" behind the tradition of singing in church, and even further why some choose to take postures of hand raising or kneeling during this type of worship. They reference moments in Scripture where people were moved to worship, or connect with, God through song. Though churches vary in the way they lead or encourage their congregations to participate in this style of worship, the art of connecting to God through the powerful medium of music is an important part of most church services. What postures should we take when we praise and worship God? Is there a true "right way"? Mark and Ross discuss in more detail why some people prefer the posture of their hearts to be reflected outwardly. These postures are not commanded of us as followers of Jesus, but for many people, they reflect a place of humble surrender, recognizing who we are in the presence of a mighty God.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 5In this episode, Mark and Ross tackle the "why" behind the tradition of singing in church, and even further why some choose to take postures of hand raising or kneeling during this type of worship. They reference moments in Scripture where people were moved to worship, or connect with, God through song. Though churches vary in the way they lead or encourage their congregations to participate in this style of worship, the art of connecting to God through the powerful medium of music is an important part of most church services. What postures should we take when we praise and worship God? Is there a true "right way"? Mark and Ross discuss in more detail why some people prefer the posture of their hearts to be reflected outwardly. These postures are not commanded of us as followers of Jesus, but for many people, they reflect a place of humble surrender, recognizing who we are in the presence of a mighty God.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 4
Mark and Ross discuss whether a person should continue to be part of a church even if they have been hurt - physically, emotionally, or otherwise. They wrestle with the truth that God does call us to be connected to a body of believers - how to be obedient to that call in the midst of hurt or pain is going to look different for each person and their situation. Mark and Ross navigate through various scenarios to help those experiencing this type of hurt work through it in a healthy way.
God Questions | Honest Answers | Episode 4
Mark and Ross discuss whether a person should continue to be part of a church even if they have been hurt - physically, emotionally, or otherwise. They wrestle with the truth that God does call us to be connected to a body of believers - how to be obedient to that call in the midst of hurt or pain is going to look different for each person and their situation. Mark and Ross navigate through various scenarios to help those experiencing this type of hurt work through it in a healthy way.
Mark and Ross break down this question of whether church attendance is required to be a Christian. We are saved by faith alone because of God's grace alone. But what does it look like to live out our Christian faith? Mark and Ross bring up examples in Scripture to help shed light on how God calls those who have put their faith in Him to live out that faith on a daily basis. God created us to be together and serve one another. How do we do this and why is it such an integral part of our life as followers of Jesus?
Mark and Ross break down this question of whether church attendance is required to be a Christian. We are saved by faith alone because of God's grace alone. But what does it look like to live out our Christian faith? Mark and Ross bring up examples in Scripture to help shed light on how God calls those who have put their faith in Him to live out that faith on a daily basis. God created us to be together and serve one another. How do we do this and why is it such an integral part of our life as followers of Jesus?
In this episode, Mark and Ross discuss some practical ways to read and study God's Word, the Bible. They each share their opinion on the top 5 books to read first, explain how cultural context affects how we read and interpret Scripture, and offer tools to help guide and direct our reading. Questions such as, "How did God write the Bible?" and "Who was the Bible written to and for?" are discussed to help give a better foundation for Bible reading, application and next steps in our walk with the Lord.
In this episode, Mark and Ross discuss some practical ways to read and study God's Word, the Bible. They each share their opinion on the top 5 books to read first, explain how cultural context affects how we read and interpret Scripture, and offer tools to help guide and direct our reading. Questions such as, "How did God write the Bible?" and "Who was the Bible written to and for?" are discussed to help give a better foundation for Bible reading, application and next steps in our walk with the Lord.