We exist to display God's glory, declare God's truth, delight in God's Son, and disciple God's people

Elder Q & A

1.  How do we read the Old Testament for profit when the OT promises to Israel are not for today’s church?
.         A.  The principle in the prophecy reveals God’s unchanging character
.        .         Deuteronomy 1:6-9 – Hebrews 13:5
.         B.  His promises are true
.         C.  The Church gets to participate in the working of the promises = Jeremiah 31
.         D.  All of the Scriptures are connected
2.  Piety – godliness – 1 Timothy 5:4 – vs. Pietism – legalism, rote
3.  Matthew 25:40 & 45 – who are the ‘least of these’?
.         Brothers – Matthew 12:47-50
.         Missionaries – Matthew 10:40
.         All people and especially fellow believers – Galatians 6:9-10
4.  Matthew 24:40-41 – What does ‘taken’ refer to?  The Rapture?
.         Taken is in judgment – Matthew 24:29-30, 36-37
.        .      In context: Matthew 24:39 – the flood ‘took them’ all away
5.  What does it look like, practically and personally, to resist temptation?
.         A.  The Holy Spirit indwells all believers
.         B.  ‘Victory and defeat’ in sanctification is better thought of as ‘obedience and disobedience’
.         C.   Growing in love and trust for God through time in His Word and prayer (Ephesians 6- armor)
.         D.   Fellowship with other believers (iron sharpens iron)
.         E.   Work to be heavenly minded – 1 Peter 1:13
.         F.  Be aware of, and stay away from, areas of personal temptation
.         G.  Read and follow Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions
.         H.  Choose to not sin – Romans 6:12-13, Colossians 3:1-2,Ephesians 2:2-3, 1 Corinthians 10:13,
.         I.  Repent and ask forgiveness – 1 John 1:9
.         J.  Diagnose the heart issues that are leading you to want to sin
6.  Can we question if someone is saved if they show no evidence of a changed life?
.         2 Corinthians 5:17, John 13:34-35, Matthew 13:24-30, Hebrews 5:13-24
7.  Is cremation anti-Biblical?
.         Historical: Jews & Christians buried. Christ’s example.  Bodily resurrection – Job 19:25
.         Cremation – No command against.  1 Samuel, 31:8-13, Amos 2:1, Amos 6
.        .         Being cremated does not affect our resurrection.  Our eternal destination is determined
.        .               before we die.
8.  How do we practically trust God with our family size?
.         A.  Sovereignty of God – Psalm 127:3
.         B.  God opens and closes wombs
.         C.  Discipleship of children results in more Christians
.         D.  Are you choosing a lifestyle over the responsibility of raising children?
.         E.  Pray about God’s will for your life.
9.  Demons – are they everywhere and affecting our lives?
.         How do they know how to tempt us?  Satan is described in Genesis 3:1 as ‘crafty’, he goes about
.        .          looking for people – Job 1:7, he is a roaring lion seeking to destroy – 1 Peter 5:8
.         Satan isn’t primarily attacking us.  He is attacking God’s Word and character.
.         He uses our sin nature – Ephesians 2:1, James 1:13-15, 1 John 2:16
.         We are not defenseless – Ephesians 6:10-18