Episode 458 Show Notes
From the Show
The church triumphant in heaven, in the presence of God all mighty, there around the throne, does pray for the church here, militant. But I don’t think that there is any indication in Scripture that we should ask them to pray for us or that there is any sense that they hear our prayers. God is the one who hears our prayers when we pray to him through his Son, Jesus Christ. And that’s why we are encouraged by the author to the Hebrews to come boldly to the throne of grace.
—Adriel Sanchez
Questions in this Episode
1. Can we be filled the Holy Spirit by asking to be filled with him? How do I receive the Holy Spirit like on Pentecost?
2. I have often heard people say after the death of a loved one, "I really miss my dad, but I know that he is now looking out for me." They often point to rainbows, white feathers, or other "signs" of evidence of their loved one's continuing presence in their lives. As a pastor, I have struggled with how to respond to this idea. I know that for them it is sentimentally comforting and helpful, but I also know that it is a false comfort. A believer who dies is in the presence of God, not floating about over us. And a non-believer has his attention quite occupied in other ways. Even though I have taught about our hope in Christ and the reality for a believer that being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, members of my own congregation would say things like this. Any thoughts on what one can say to popular but misguided thoughts about death?
3. Do Satanists and witches blaspheme the Holy Spirit? Is that true? Can anyone be forgiven?
4. Thanks for your radio program. What you’re doing is important because I don’t see that most believers have a basic knowledge of what the Bible teaches. I listen to you while I work in my engineering office. Here is my question: can the believers who have already gone to heaven pray for us still on earth?
Resources
The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption by Dennis Johnson
Devoted to God: Blueprints for Sanctification by Sinclair B. Ferguson
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