#STRask

Practical advice on which Bible translations suit adults new to Scripture. Reasons to stick with one translation for memory and study. Suggestions for readable options and helpful study resources. Tips on how to read the Bible well and which Gospel to start with for a first encounter with Jesus.

A discussion about whether Christian truth claims are inherently narrow or if narrow-mindedness is a personal failing. Conversation on how truth excludes falsehood using secular examples. Exploration of what people mean by the word cult and why definitions matter. Identification of warning signs of dangerous, cultlike groups and practical ways to respond to critics.

A lively discussion about whether God intends to stay hidden and why people might not find him. They explore natural awareness versus special revelation and why truth is sometimes suppressed. Conversation covers why Christianity can be a small share of the world and how success should be measured beyond statistics. Theological aims like justice, mercy, and glorifying grace are examined.

They debate whether changing facts like age support truth relativism and unpack how tense and circumstance affect truth claims. They contrast circumstance-relative truths with moral relativism and discuss cultural change versus objective moral principles. They analyze whether defining cowardice is tautological and offer a working definition rooted in fear-driven self-protection. They consider grounding virtues in an objective moral foundation.

They tackle whether Christians can claim Israel’s covenant when Scripture addresses Israel, not the nations. They outline Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants as steps toward a larger rescue plan. They explain how prophetic promises and Jesus open the covenant to Gentiles. They discuss why Israel was chosen, combining strategy and divine grace.

A lively discussion about why interpretations of Scripture often reflect denominational biases. They explore how hermeneutics and context-focused reading can curb cherry-picking. Conversation covers extra authorities that create doctrinal splits and why creeds and gospel centrality help identify core Christian convictions. Practical diagnostic questions for evaluating groups are also offered.

A conversation about how to decide whether to trust someone's claim about God. They explore criteria like coherence, expertise, and fitting the facts. Discussion covers revelation, how to read Scripture, and skepticism toward private revelations. They also consider whether God matters beyond the afterlife and how worldviews shape what we see.

A thoughtful discussion about how to respond when someone says they feel good about their sexual identity. They explore asking clarifying questions and testing personal standards. Conversation shifts to whether feelings settle morality and how to point to universal sin and grace. They also consider how true repentance and life change show genuine faith.

They tackle whether God hears or answers prayers from non-believers and survey relevant biblical passages. They examine Cornelius as a possible exception and when God might act out of compassion. The conversation distinguishes general blessings from specific answered prayers. They also critique a church sign that reads “Just love everyone. I’ll sort them out later” and discuss what biblical love truly requires.

A clear look at what the Holy Spirit actually does in believers' lives, focusing on regeneration, sanctification, and empowerment. Discussion of how the Spirit helps us understand and remember Scripture. Practical habits for growing intimacy with God, like prayer, Bible reading, journaling, and routines. Recommendations of wisdom-based decision resources and a critique of charismatic private-revelation practices.