Filter results by source database — Scripture Commentary, Theology, Mike Winger, or Pulpit. Click a tab to narrow to one database.

...more
All (579) Mike Winger (579)
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

The literary devices view has serious apologetic consequences: it eliminates resurrection appearances, undermines doubting Thomas, weakens the case for Jesus's deity from John's "I AM" sayings, and gives ammunition to cults and skeptics.

Apologetic implications of accepting literary devices in the Gospels

deity of Christ resurrection appearances resurrection appearances
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

Du Toit systematically changes key gospel texts: John 1:12 ("become children of God" → you're already God's offspring), John 3:3 (born again → you were already born from above), John 3:18 (condemned already → under your own self-judgment).

Specific examples of the Mirror Bible inverting gospel texts

John 1:12 John 3:3 John 3:7 born again John 1:12 John 3:3
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

Du Toit changes "forgiveness" to "I am-ness" and teaches that the Trinity has four circles (Father, Son, you/me, Holy Spirit). Jesus didn't die to save us from sin but from a wrong mindset. Hell is "just a pathway to heaven."

The Mirror Bible's broader theological distortions

John 17:7 Mirror Bible Mirror Bible François Du Toit
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

The Mirror Bible is endorsed by John Crowder ("toking the holy ghost") and William Paul Young (author of The Shack, later a universalist). It's part of a broader movement: progressive Christianity, hyper-charismatic theology, and universal salvation all pushing the same direction.

Endorsers and broader context of the Mirror Bible

John Crowder Mirror Bible Mirror Bible John Crowder
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

Objections answered: (1) Jesus's "turn the other cheek" refutes personal vengeance, not governmental justice; (2) David's pardon is a divine exception, not a rule; (3) John 8 (woman in adultery) was a mob, not a court — and the passage is textually questionable.

Responding to objections against the death penalty

John 8 woman adultery Matthew 5 eye for eye death penalty John 8 woman adultery Matthew 5 eye for eye
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

Progressive Christians are the modern counterpart of the Sadducees — not atheists, but religious liberals who call themselves Christians while rejecting resurrection, judgment, hell, the supernatural, and biblical authority.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 48 on the Sadducees and progressive Christianity

Mark 12:18-27 Mark series Rob Bell Brian Zahnd progressive Christianity
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

The Sadducees: no resurrection, no judgment, no afterlife, no angels/spirits; aristocratic minority of educated elites; publicly pretended to be faithful Jews while privately rejecting core beliefs. Modern progressives follow the exact same pattern.

Detailed profile of the Sadducees and their modern parallels

John Dominic Crossan Alisa Childers Josephus Josephus
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-04

Jesus will not allow a limited Christology — the Messiah is not just the son of David but God Himself. Mark supports this throughout: Isaiah 40:3 applied to Jesus (Yahweh's coming), Jesus walking on water (quoting Job where God walks on water), the demoniac telling what "the Lord/Jesus" did.

Building the case for the deity of Christ from Mark 12:35-37 and the broader Gospel of Mark

Psalm 110:1 Isaiah 9:1-2 deity of Christ Psalm 110:1 Isaiah 9:1-2
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

God's impartiality doesn't mean equal circumstances — disabilities, poverty, and wealth may serve God's glory rather than being about what people deserve. Jesus healed the man born blind "for the glory of God," not as punishment for sin.

Q3: How is God impartial when people have such different lives?

John 9 Jesus John 9
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

Responding to LDS claims that "in the beginning" (Genesis 1/John 1) only means our world: John 1:3 says "all things were made through him" — a blanket category covering everything in existence, not just Earth.

Q16: How to respond to LDS friends about "in the beginning"?

Genesis Genesis 1 John 1 Genesis Mormonism Genesis 1
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

1 John 3:4 ("sin is lawlessness") doesn't mean Christians must keep the Mosaic Law — "lawlessness" means rebellion against God's moral authority, not specifically violating Torah commands. The New Testament redefines how we relate to God's moral standards.

Q19: Does 1 John 3:4 mean the Law of Moses still applies?

1 John 3:4 1 John 3 Moses 1 John 3:4 1 John 3
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

About John 15 – Bearing Fruit: What do you think of the view that states that in John 15, Jesus actually said in Greek that those who don't bear fruit are lifted up instead of cut off? Is this us practicing bad Greek?

Q&A question: About John 15 – Bearing Fruit

John 15 Jesus John 15
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

Why does John and Other Passages Not Mention Repentance?: If repentance is required to be saved, why is it not mentioned in the Gospel of John and other evangelical texts like Acts 16: 31 and Romans 10? Can repentance be somewhat synonymous with belief?

Q&A question: Why does John and Other Passages Not Mention Repentance?

Romans 10 repentance Romans 10 angels
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

More Miracles than Jesus?: Often, John 14:12-14 is used by “word of faith” preachers that I used to listen to. Their claim is that we are to do the same and more of the miracles that Jesus did. How should I see these verses?

Q&A question: More Miracles than Jesus?

Jesus miracles word of faith
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

About Elijah & Enoch: About John 3:13 KJV - Where did Elijah & Enoch go? Elijah appeared at the mountain of transfiguration…where did he come from?

Q&A question: About Elijah & Enoch

John 3:13 John 3 Elijah John 3:13 Enoch
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

Private Convos w/Pilate and the Resurrection: In John 18 from verse 33, Jesus & Pilate share private conversations inside his residence without any of Jesus’ followers being present. How would the disciples know what was said? Did He tell his disciples post resurrection, proving that the resurrection is TRUE?

Q&A question: Private Convos w/Pilate and the Resurrection

John 18 Jesus resurrection Pilate
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

About John the Baptizer/Baptist’s Salvation: Was John the Baptizer born saved? Luke 1: 15 says he would be filled with the Holy Spirit "even from his mother's womb.”

Q&A question: About John the Baptizer/Baptist’s Salvation

salvation baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the “Three that Testify”: Can you shed some light on 1 John 5: 16-17?

Q&A question: About the “Three that Testify”

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the Woman Caught in Adultery Passage: It's said that the story from John 7: 53 to 8: 11 isn't found in the earlier manuscripts. It's one of my favorite pictures of God's grace. What do you think about how we should deal with this?

Q&A question: About the Woman Caught in Adultery Passage

John 7 John 7
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

About John the Baptist being Jesus’ Cousin: Is it a big deal that John the Baptist was Jesus' cousin? I haven't heard this talked about much; wouldn't that mean that they knew each other when they were kids/before their ministries?

Q&A question: About John the Baptist being Jesus’ Cousin

John the Baptist Jesus John the Baptist
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

Interpreting a Difficult Verse: I’ve read two different views on 1 John 3: 20. 1: If our heart condemns us, how much more will God since He is greater than our heart? 2: Even though we feel guilty, God knows our heart. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Interpreting a Difficult Verse

1 John 3 1 John 3
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

Overcoming Condemnation/Embracing God’s Grace: I have a good understanding of God’s Love and forgiveness in my head, but I have trouble living as though I believe it in my heart, and I still feel condemned at times (1 John 4: 16-18). Any advice?

Q&A question: Overcoming Condemnation/Embracing God’s Grace

1 John 4 1 John 4 forgiveness
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

Is God the Branch, or the Vine?: A few times in the OT, Jesus is referred to as the Branch (Zechariah 3:8, 6: 12, Jeremiah 23:5). Why then is He referred to as the Vine and us the branches in John 15:5?

Q&A question: Is God the Branch, or the Vine?

Jeremiah John 15 Zechariah 3 Jeremiah Jesus John 15
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

About “Perfect Love Casting Out Fear”: What did John mean in 1 John by “perfect love casts out fear, and that whoever fears has not been made perfect…”?

Q&A question: About “Perfect Love Casting Out Fear”

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

About Jesus being Truly Man: If Jesus was fully man and subject to time and space, how is John 21: 25 possible? Or is it hyperbole?

Q&A question: About Jesus being Truly Man

John 21 Jesus John 21
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

About the Paraclete: John 16:7 says Paraclete is the Holy Spirit, and 1 John 2:1 says it is Jesus Christ. I cannot believe this is a mistranslation, so what is 1 John 2:1 talking about?

Q&A question: About the Paraclete

1 John 2 John 16 1 John 2:1 Jesus Christ Jesus 1 John 2
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

About the 153 Fish in John: In John 21, it is written that Peter caught 153 "large fish" and that "although there were so many, the net was not torn." Is there a message or theme John was conveying here?

Q&A question: About the 153 Fish in John

John 21 Peter John 21
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

Is it Biblical? Jesus in our Hearts: Do we have "Jesus in our hearts" as believers? What about worship songs about Jesus in the room? John 16:5-10, Acts 1:9-11 and basically all of Revelation seems to say Jesus is in Heaven for now.

Q&A question: Is it Biblical? Jesus in our Hearts

revelation Acts 1 John 16 Jesus worship revelation
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

About the Vine & Branches, Eternal Security: Just wanted clarity on John 15:1-8. Is Jesus talking about people losing their salvation? Or people walking away from Him and the faith?

Q&A question: About the Vine & Branches, Eternal Security

John 15 Jesus salvation John 15
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

Were Any of Jesus’ Bones Broken?: If the nail of a crucified victim was inserted through the heel bone or ankle bone, how should we interpret John 19: 36? Wouldn’t a nail cause the bone to break?

Q&A question: Were Any of Jesus’ Bones Broken?

John 19 Jesus John 19
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Is There a Contradiction?: The Synoptics seem to indicate that the Feeding of 5,000 took place on the Sea of Galilee's West side (Mark 6:30-56), but it seems to take place on the East side in John 6. How do we resolve this?

Q&A question: Is There a Contradiction?

John 6 Mark 6 John 6 Mark 6
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-08

Is John 15 Works-Based?: Is John 15 works-based? v.10 says, “IF you keep my commandments, THEN you will abide in my love.” That sounds like obedience earns God's love, contrary to the Gospel. What does a life of "abiding" look like daily?

Q&A question: Is John 15 Works-Based?

John 15 John 15
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

About Being Alive in Christ/Future Resurrection: Please explain John 11: 25-26, how the first person became dead but believed and the second person being a believer never dies.

Q&A question: About Being Alive in Christ/Future Resurrection

John 11 resurrection John 11
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

Why did People Fall Over in John 18?: My question is about John 18:6. It’s a really powerful moment, but did the other disciples not see it?

Q&A question: Why did People Fall Over in John 18?

John 18:6 John 18 John 18:6 John 18
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

About Theophanies & Christophanies: Would you say that every theophany is a Christophany? (John 1: 17-18, Jude 1:5, John 8: 58, Matthew 11: 27, 1 Timothy 2:5)

Q&A question: About Theophanies & Christophanies

1 Timothy 2 1 Timothy 2:5 John 1 1 Timothy 2 Timothy 1 Timothy 2:5
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-12

Should We Correct Non-Believers’ Sins?: What is the Christian’s role in bringing up non-believers’ specific sins? Should we, at all? I hear people reference John 16:8. How should we best evangelize to non-believers?

Q&A question: Should We Correct Non-Believers’ Sins?

John 16 John 16 angels
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

Are Works Required? (Sheep & Goats): Does John 5: 29 or the Parable of Sheep and Goats mean that Jesus taught we need works to be saved? It seems to align with the mid-acts dispensational view.

Q&A question: Are Works Required? (Sheep & Goats)

John 5 Jesus John 5
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About Limited Atonement: If the extent of Jesus’ death was for all, but the application of His death was only for His sheep, why does Jesus say that He lays down His life for His sheep in John 10: 15 (v. 16 clarifies extent, right?)?

Q&A question: About Limited Atonement

John 10 Jesus atonement John 10
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

About being Born of God/of the Spirit: Prior to Pentecost, was anyone “born of God/Spirit” as the Spirit hadn’t been given yet (John 1: 13; 3:1-7; 7: 39)? Can this discredit regeneration preceding faith/total inability?

Q&A question: About being Born of God/of the Spirit

John 1 John 1
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

About the “Little gods” Theory: Can you explain a biblical view of the "little gods" theory (Psalm 82:6 and John 10: 34)?

Q&A question: About the “Little gods” Theory

John 10 Psalm 82 John 10 Psalm 82
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Does Romans Teach Works for Salvation?: Does Romans 6: 22 preach salvation by works? John Piper claims that this verse suggests that at final salvation, our works coming from sanctification result in eternal life.

Q&A question: Does Romans Teach Works for Salvation?

John Piper Romans 6 John Piper salvation sanctification
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Does Blindness Cover Sin?: In John 9: 41, Jesus says, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin..." What does it mean to be "blind" in this context? Does this blindness also cover sin?

Q&A question: Does Blindness Cover Sin?

John 9 Jesus John 9
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-08

Does John 6 Teach Faith as a Work?: I recently watched your Calvinism series and you didn't address John 6: 28-29 where Jesus calls belief "work.” I don't think it defeats Romans 3: 27. What do you think?

Q&A question: Does John 6 Teach Faith as a Work?

John 6 Romans 3 Jesus Calvinism John 6
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

About the Witness in John 8: In John 8: 13-19, Jesus testifies that the Father is His witness. Given the emphasis on 2 witnesses in the Law, why did He not mention the Holy Spirit in this point? The absence is conspicuous.

Q&A question: About the Witness in John 8

John 8 Jesus John 8
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

Friends vs. Servants of Christ?: In John 15: 15, Jesus tells the apostles, “No longer do I call you servants, but friends.” How do we properly approach our position as “friends of Jesus” while not neglecting to still serve Him?

Q&A question: Friends vs. Servants of Christ?

John 15 Jesus John 15 Apostles
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

Is John 1 about the Bible?: What does John 1:1-4 say about the importance of the Bible? Should we worship the Bible? Some say they won't read the Bible, but at the same time say they are Christian.

Q&A question: Is John 1 about the Bible?

John 1 worship John 1
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-01

People we Shouldn’t Pray For?: My father believes that there are people we do not (or should not) pray for. He backs it up with John 17:9, saying that it may even be a sin to pray for people we shouldn’t pray for. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Q&A question: People we Shouldn’t Pray For?

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

When did the Holy Spirit Come?: My question is about the Spirit. Jesus spoke of the Spirit coming after Him in John 14, but He is there in Luke 1 before Jesus’ birth. When did the Spirit actually come?

Q&A question: When did the Holy Spirit Come?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

About the Samaritans Receiving the Spirit: How were the Samaritans in Acts 8: 14-17 baptized in the name of Jesus, but only received the Holy Spirt when Peter and John came?

Q&A question: About the Samaritans Receiving the Spirit

Acts 8 Peter Acts 8 Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

When did the New Cov. Begin?: Did the New Covenant officially begin at Jesus’ last supper, death, burial, and resurrection…or at His ascension (alluded to in John 20: 17)?

Q&A question: When did the New Cov. Begin?

John 20 Jesus resurrection John 20