Asking for a Friend 2025, Part 1 // Jamie Nunnally

God is cool with your questions. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally answers YOUR submitted questions. 

1. What does it mean to be a disciple and how does that look in our everyday lives?

A disciple is anyone who follows Jesus. The Greek word is similar to the idea of an apprentice—someone who learns by working with a mentor.

Luke 9:23

More info: "I Have Decided" sermon series, January, 2021

2. What does the Bible say about interracial relationships?

Absolutely nothing. Interracial marriage is not wrong. 

Nehemiah 13:27 

Bottom line: Any biblical warning against intermarrying is about idolatry not ethnicity.

3. Is it okay for people to keep Old Testament laws like not eating pork or celebrating Jewish feasts/festivals if they still believe we are made right with God through Jesus?

The Jewish dietary laws and the feasts were part of an old covenant with ancient Israel. Now, they hold no power when it comes to our holiness.

Colossians 2:16

Galatians 5:4

In 2 Corinthians 3:6 Paul calls the OT law the "ministry of death." 

More info: Even More Elephants pt. 2: Christians & Jews (August 2017)

4. When is the last time that you gave a sermon that was not scheduled weeks in advance?

Although I have a plan, I don't write sermons until Friday the week of. And of course, everything is always subject to change. Scheduling in advance is a good thing.

5. How do you handle anger at your spouse when you're spiritually mismatched? They say they are a believer but refuse to go to church and aren't really showing any kind of relationship with God.

James 1:20 says the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

-Communication 

-Intercession 

-Demonstration - Show them what a Christian is like.

1 Corinthians 7:14

6. What's the difference between demonic possession and demonic oppression? How can children of God be affected by either?

Revelation 12:9

Three levels of influence by a demon: possession, oppression, persuasion.

The way someone becomes affected by a demon is to agree with that spirit's primary objective.

1 Peter 5:8-9

More info: VFC courses 102 & 104

7. Where did God come from?

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God...

God is an uncreated spirit. He is eternal in the future and in the past.

8. Can you explain what is meant by Progressive Christianity? Is it a good thing or bad thing?

Progressive Christianity is a trending movement among Christians that questions traditional Christian beliefs and often rejects orthodox theology and embraces current cultural beliefs.

Matthew 16:6 "Watch out!" Jesus warned them. Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees".

A few markers of progressive Christianity:

1. A low view of Jesus and a high view of mankind. 

2. Having a low regard for scripture.

3. An over-emphasis on social justice.

More info: Elephants in the Room 2021, Part 5.

Are you trusting God with your questions?