In this week’s episode of the RIOT podcast, a Christian Podcast! Bob, Pete, and Barry discuss how to Discover Truth on Hard Questions of the Christian Faith.

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Bob delightfully started the show by introducing Pete and Barry. He also said that he had an amazing week last week because of the significance of the week, but mainly that he had a Good Friday and an awesome Easter! Then he asked Pete and Barry what they did for Easter, Pete mentioned that he also had an amazing weekend by attending church and prayed for a lot of people. (What an awesome man right?!) Bob then asked Barry what he did for Easter. Barry jokingly stated that he went to sleep on Friday night and didn’t wake up until Sunday morning to re-enact that Jesus was in the Grave and then rose on Sunday morning! (Barry never fails to toss out a funny joke) But on a serious note, He said “What pastor on Easter weekend gets any sleep? Right? He did a good Friday service and a few Easter Services!” Bob then shared that there was a sweet lady that came up to him and told him that she was there because she needed prayer, which Bob prayed for her. After church was a little birthday celebration because it was Bob’s Birthday last week! (Belated Happy Birthday Bob!) He also shared that his Dad died a week before his 54th birthday and he feels weird that he’ll be older than his Dad was when he passed. Overall, Bob said he had an amazing birthday and loved the fellowship of people that were there.

The guys then continued the show by jumping in today’s topic; Discover Truth on Hard questions of Christian Faith. The first question that was brought to discuss is Can Christian Drink Alcohol? Barry humbly shared that he grew up in a situation that his dad is not an alcoholic, but that he drinks every now and then. Barry continued and stated “as a little boy it was very tough for me, then I married my wife who grew up with an abusive alcoholic, and for me to love her well that I can’t make that choice to randomly drink.” Every day Barry tells his kids to be a man or woman of God (he has 6 kids!). He also stated that he loves his wife so much to not make her fear that one day he would become an alcoholic. But biblically, a Christian can drink alcohol it says that we’re not supposed to get drunk, we’re not supposed to be controlled by any substance that would alter our mind or actions, we’re supposed to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Bob, Pete, and Barry moved on to the next question “Can a Christian smoke marijuana?” Pete then shared that he saw a Gallup poll that was done recently and said that 65% of Americans say smoking marijuana is morally acceptable. He then asked how could they say that it is morally acceptable, what are the morals that they are talking about? Barry said, “Legal, that it’s legal.” Bob agreed and said that if it’s legal it must be “moral”.

Pete then shared a bible verse about this question:

“‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful” (1 Cor. 6:12)

The guys then continued to the next question “Can Christians listen to secular music?” To make this simple and short: Secular music often promotes immorality and violence while belittling purity and integrity. If a song glorifies what opposes God, a Christian should not listen to it. However, there are many secular songs with no mention of God that still uphold godly values such as honesty, purity, and integrity. If a love song promotes the sanctity of marriage and/or the purity of true love—even if it does not mention God or the Bible—it can still be listened to and enjoyed.

Barry shared a Bible verse regarding this question:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Phil 4:8

From there, the guys then moved on to another question “Can Christians live with their boyfriend/girlfriend before marriage?” Pete answered yes, but that’s not the real issue, the true issue is the sin of fornication. The Bible doesn't say anything about living together before marriage, but it speaks consistently about purity and keeping your body as a Holy temple. And he also stated that a lot of people justify that living together is their only option, well there are some other options and God will open a door, just pray and he will provide.

Here are some of the key points in this week’s podcast:

Bible Verses on being intoxicated

Romans 14:21 ESV It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.

Proverbs 20:1 ESV Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Ephesians 5:18 ESV And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.

Romans 13:13 ESV Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.

1 Peter 5:8 ESV Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Numbers 6:3 ESV He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Leaders should not drink
• 1 Timothy 3:8 ESV Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.

Bible Verse ok to drink wine
• 1 Timothy 5:23 ESV No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)

Living with boyfriend- Business Partner,
• 2 Corinthians 6:14. The NIV translation says, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.

Best Bible Version to read:
Full “preservation” of the Greek and Hebrew texts from which the KJV was translated, namely the Masoretic Hebrew Text and the Greek Textus Receptus

Word for Word Translation

• KJV
• ESV
• New English Translation
• New American Standard Bible (NASB)
• NIV is
• NKJV
• Christian Standard Bible

Paraphrase Translations

• Phillips Translation
• Living Bible
• The Message Bible
• Passion Translation

Overall, this episode is very powerful and it will make you understand some of the viewpoints of Christians on these Hard Questions that were asked by our listeners this week! If you’d like to understand more of this week’s episode head on to our streaming platforms and listen to the whole podcast episode!