At GF we value asking questions to better understand how to live life in a God-centered, Christ exalting way. Let’s face it, life is tough and trying to find your way on your own just makes things even more difficult. But where can you go to find biblical answers to life issues?  We believe that church should be THAT place. So, we have a “graceTALK” every quarter in which some of our pastors answers questions people have submitted.  On Sunday, we will also be featuring follow up questions via open mic or text message so you can jump in as well.  To get you thinking, here are the questions for this week’s graceTALK:

1. I have a friend who “speaks in tongues” and believes every Christian should also.  As we spoke, I got the distinct impression that she did not feel I was “walking in the Spirit” in this regard.  I was both irritated by her attitude and confused because it does make sense that if I am “in the Spirit” that I should show the activity or fruit of the Spirit… Confused.

2. Do the Elders of Grace believe all the New Testament spiritual gifts are in effect for today in this church?

3. In Matthew 5:48, Jesus expresses the need for His disciples to be “perfect.”  My Roman Catholic friend told me that this is Jesus’ way of pointing to our need to “do the right thing” and that this is the basis for her church’s teaching of doing good to others and without these types of efforts you cannot hope to be perfect.  If Jesus says we are to be perfect then how does this affect us when we are not? Or are we able to mature to a point that we someday will be able to act perfectly?  Trying to figure out what Jesus means….

4. In Psalm 131:21-24, David seems to lift up hatred as a virtue – “Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?  And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?  I hate them with a complete hatred; I count them my enemies.”  Then David says, “Search me, God and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”   Two questions.  (1) How could David be a “man after God’s own heart” and hate people so deeply and (2) are we given this freedom to hate some people as well and can we still be considered deeply God-centered?