On this live question and answer, we began by looking at “The Problem of Unanswered Prayer.” 3:00 (there is a list of reasons for unanswered prayer at the bottom of the description) Then, we had a lot of great questions from the side chat: How can you know if you are idolizing theology over Jesus Himself? 18:58 What is apostasy, and who are apostates? 21:26 What is the war in heaven described in Revelation 12? 25:22 How did Elijah know that God would respond with fire when he challenged the prophets of Baal? 29:18 What about holy water, incense, and prayer cloths? 31:30 What about women pastors? 34:47 Will America be destroyed? 39:04 Can Christians play Harry Potter games? 40:35 When we teach, should we just teach our own understanding of doctrine, or should we also teach what those who disagree with us might teach? 42:30 In the first Passover, did God kill everyone who didn’t have the blood of the lamb on their doorposts, or just the firstborn? 44:32 Do we have to forget when we forgive? 45:39 Why is there controversy over baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? 47:48 How can I stop thinking negatively about people and God? 50:55 How can we recognize the holiness of God without being legalistic? When did David begin being a pastor, and did he always want to be a preacher? 52:00 How can we recognize and appreciate the holiness of God without becoming legalistic? 56:15 Video dealing with men and women in the church: https://youtu.be/_LIaFoT5xaM Playlist for new video series by Dr. J. Edwin Orr: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_QIfO0mxbX67NCK-L_AIK8cEluRYZDeE Reasons for Unanswered Prayer The Bible gives a surprising number of reasons for unanswered prayer. These obstacles can be put out of the way as we walk in the Lord and diligently pursue Him. Not abiding in Jesus (John 15:7) If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. Unbelief (Matthew 17:20-21) So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Lack of Bible Reading and Bible Teaching (Proverbs 28:9) One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. Trusting in the Length or Form of Prayer (Matthew 6:7) And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. A Bad Marriage Relationship (1 Peter 3:7) Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. Not Asking (James 4:2) You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. Selfish Praying (James 4:3) You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. • Disobedience (1 John 3:22) • Not Praying in God’s Will (1 John 5:14-15) • Failure to Fast (Matthew 17:21) • Unconfessed Sin (James 5:16) • Cold, Passionless Prayer (James 5:16-18) • Prayerlessness and Lack of Persistence in Prayer (Luke 18:1-7, Psalm 55:17) • Sin Against Others (Matthew 5:23-24) • Lack of Unity (Matthew 18:19) • Not Listening to God (Psalm 32:8, Jeremiah 7:16, Jeremiah 11:14) • Not Praying in the Name of Jesus (John 14:13-14) • Pride (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 3:34, 2 Chronicles 7:14, 2 Chronicles 33:12-13) • Lying and Deceitfulness (Psalm 17:1)