Pastor Steve answers your burning questions on "The Heart of the Gospel":

Meaning of the word 'gospel', Comments on 'gospel saves' vs. 'Jesus saves', Difference between gospel and religion, is religion really a negative word?

Notes from Steve: Upon playback I realized that I had referred to the word gospel as a Greek word, when in fact, it is the English translation of a Greek word. Sorry for any confusion.

Questions related to our motivation for service. Common virtue vs. true virtue, getting people 'into the game'

Can a Christian lose the Holy Spirit from their lives?

Over to you – What do you think? Does this lead you to new questions?

We'll have Q&A videos up in the next day or two. In the meantime, lots of people have requested a copy of the chart Pastor Steve referenced in his sermon Sunday morning so here it is...

Thank you for some great questions again last night. I value the interaction that we enjoy uniquely at “Church @ Six”. Often the questions are unclear because they are texted in hurriedly so I have taken the liberty in some cases to change the wording to make it more clear. I trust I have preserved the essence of the question.

If you are reading these questions I strongly encourage you to interact in some fashion. We want to ensure that the interaction has some value beyond Sunday evening.

Thanks,
Pastor Ian

1 What are some of the first steps that a future parent should take to be a good godly leader and parent in the eyes of God?

A Christian parent is no different from a Christian non parent. We are called to be disciples of Christ who are growing in grace and in the knowledge of God. Whether we are a parent or not this is our duty. When we take parenthood seriously, as you are with this question, it sharpens our walk with Christ as we are increasingly aware of the example that we are setting for children in our home. Having said that, let’s be careful that we not look for perfection. The best leaders of children and otherwise are those who run hard after God and are able to admit when they fail.

2  Is not wanting to have kids bad? Because the Bible said go multiply and be fruitful... But if one refuses to have kids, are they going against the Bible or does it depends on personal choice?

September 18, 2011 – Created for Community: A Selfless Community

Sunday's message on pride produced a lot of great questions. Here is my "knee jerk" response. If you are reading this blog and have a contribution or a further question, please take a minute to respond. I want to see this blog become interactive with you. This can become another dimension of our community.

Sincerely,

Ian

So how in practice does it appear when the new mind comes? How does it appear different than will power?

The behaviors of Romans 12 can be lived out in similar fashion in both the regenerate and unregenerate life. Let's take the unregenerate, good living person. As a result of upbringing and self control a person could emulate many, perhaps all, of the behaviors. The clear danger is that he will suffer from self righteousness and delude himself that these acts will gain merit with God. Or that she does not need God to help with life because she is self sufficient.