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All (536) Mike Winger (536)
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-18

Q: 2 Corinthians 3:17 ("the Lord is the Spirit") — does it teach Jesus is the Holy Spirit? It affirms oneness in God but not Oneness Pentecostal theology. The Spirit is sometimes called the Spirit of Jesus; the Holy Spirit is Christ's presence with us. But the full NT also affirms distinct persons of the Trinity.

Q&A — 2 Corinthians 3:17 and the Trinity

2 Corinthians 3:17 Trinity Trinity 2 Corinthians 3:17
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-18

Q: Was Paul a false apostle (Revelation 2:2)? No — Revelation 2:2 actually proves Paul IS a true apostle. The Ephesians could identify false apostles AND they received Paul warmly (Ephesians letter, Acts 20). Peter calls Paul's writings "Scripture" (2 Peter 3:16). Paul-denial movements strip the NT to smuggle in cult theology.

Q&A — Paul as false apostle (Revelation 2:2)

2 Peter 3:16 Revelation 2:2 2 Peter 3:16 Paul false apostle claim Revelation 2:2
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-15

Can you lose salvation if Jesus paid for your sins? Depends on your view of the atonement. Calvinist (limited atonement): Jesus only paid for the elect's sins, so losing salvation would mean he 'unpaid' — impossible. Non-Calvinist (unlimited atonement): Jesus paid for all sins; the APPLICATION is upon those who receive Christ. If someone walks away, it's not that payment was reversed but that they left the relationship.

Losing salvation and the extent of the atonement

perseverance of the saints eternal security eternal security
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-29

Mike announces his "passion project": hiring 5+ well-respected scholars (Craig Blomberg, Mark Strauss, Darrell Bock, Tremper Longman, Nijay Gupta) to each evaluate different books of the Passion Translation by Brian Simmons, producing free 5-page papers and video interviews. Goal: provide definitive scholarly assessment showing pervasive (not just isolated) problems with the translation.

Passion Translation scholarly project announcement

Mark Strauss Craig Blomberg Brian Simmons Passion Translation
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-03

1 Peter 2:24 ("by his wounds you have been healed") does refer to physical healing in Mike's view, but the TIMING is the issue. Many benefits of the cross aren't received now — we still die, still have corruptible bodies. Full physical healing comes in the resurrection. It's theologically inconsistent to demand healing for the common cold while accepting death from old age. The "healing in the atonement" teaching overreaches on timing, not content.

Healing in the atonement — timing issue

1 Peter 2:24 physical resurrection 1 Peter 2:24 healing in the atonement
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-03

Should new believers read the whole Bible? Yes, eventually. But start with the Gospel of John (written for the purpose of producing faith), then the rest of the NT. Read Psalms and Proverbs for wisdom/worship. Genesis for foundations. Don't start at Genesis 1 and try to plow through — you'll bog down in Leviticus. A reading plan helps maintain consistency.

Bible reading plan for new believers

John 20:31 Gospel of John Gospel of John new believers
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-07

How to do systematic theology: (1) Gather every passage related to a topic. (2) Interpret each passage in its own context. (3) Draw principles/conclusions from each passage. (4) Check that no principles conflict with each other or with any passage. (5) Build the framework from the conclusions, not from a pre-loaded logical structure. Mike front-loads passages, not presuppositions — biblical theology approach over dogmatic theology.

Method for systematic theology

biblical theology systematic theology method biblical theology
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-12

Theological insight from the predictions: Jesus saw his death as purposeful sacrifice, not tragedy. He predicted specifics: delivered to chief priests, condemned, handed to Gentiles, mocked, spit on, scourged, killed — and rise three days later. Progressive Christians who reject substitutionary atonement must explain why Jesus described his death as sacrificial and purposeful in his own words. The predictions show Jesus understood himself as Isaiah's Suffering Servant.

Theological insight — purposeful sacrifice, not tragic death

Mark 10:32-34 Mark 10:45 Suffering Servant substitutionary atonement progressive Christianity
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-14

Hyperdispensationalism claims OT saints were saved by faith plus works. Refuted by Romans 4: Abraham was justified by faith alone, not works. Romans 11:6: grace and works are philosophically unmixable — if by grace, then not works; if by works, then not grace. These categories can't be blended. This applies to every era, not just the NT.

OT salvation by faith alone — Romans 4 and 11:6

Romans 11:6 Romans 4 Romans 11:6 Romans 4 faith alone
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

The phrase "the Lord" (ha kurios) in Mark 11:3 deliberately fuses God's identity with Jesus — Mark's subtle but profound Christology of Christ's deity.

Greek analysis of "the Lord has need of it" in Mark 11:3

Mark 11:3 deity of Christ kurios Mark 11:3
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Overview: Mark 11:22-25 is the #1 Word of Faith verse. Winger approaches it by sidebaring the Kenneth Copeland debate to first understand the passage in its original context, then apply it.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 43 on prayer, faith, and Mark 11:22-25

Mark 11:22-25 Mark series prayer Kenneth Copeland Word of Faith
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

The prayer promise is couched in the destruction-of-temple context because Jesus is inaugurating NEW COVENANT prayer — from temple-mediated access to direct access through Christ. Christians ARE the new temple.

The temple context explains WHY this prayer teaching appears here in Mark

1 Peter 2:5 Ephesians 2:19-22 2 Chronicles 6:24-40 1 Peter 2:5 Ephesians 2:19-22 2 Chronicles 6:24-40
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

The Sanhedrin's three authority claims (succession from Moses, Moses's seat, oral tradition) are structurally identical to the Catholic magisterium's claims (apostolic succession, chair of Peter, sacred tradition).

Detailed parallel between Sanhedrin and Roman Catholic authority claims

Matthew 23 Mark 7:8-9 Roman Catholicism oral tradition papacy
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-12

In the parable, the son is sent "last of all" — not meaning no more messengers ever, but that the Son is the final opportunity before judgment falls on the leaders. Jesus is greater than every prophet: they are slaves; he is the beloved Son.

Analysis of the Son's unique status in the parable (Mark 12:6-8)

John 5 Mark 12:1-12 John 5 deity of Christ Mark 12:1-12
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

The Mirror Bible by François Du Toit is the worst Bible translation Winger has ever seen — not just inaccurate but anti-gospel, inverting Scripture to teach that humans are already divine and don't need to be born again.

Introduction to review of the Mirror Bible translation

Bible translations Mirror Bible Mirror Bible
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 2020-10-29

Overview: Interview with Neil Shenvi on Critical Race Theory. The culture has real racism problems, but CRT distorts the problem and offers solutions that create more injustice. The goal is to think biblically, not politically.

Introduction to CRT discussion with Neil Shenvi

biblical justice Neil Shenvi Christian politics
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 2021-05-28

Refuting JW Theology: A Jehovah’s Witness said that all the letters in the NT addressed to saints are for the 144,000 (example: Romans 1:7). How do I show that a saint is a believer, and that the NT should be applied to everyone?

Q&A question: Refuting JW Theology

Romans 1 Romans 1 Jehovah's Witnesses
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

In Defense of Sola Scriptura: What is your understanding of 2 Thessalonians 2: 15, as many Orthodox Christians point to this as evidence of the legitimacy of traditions that are not explicitly written in Scripture?

Q&A question: In Defense of Sola Scriptura

apologetics Reformation theology
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

How is Isaiah 52-53 evidence for the Bible if most of the stuff in there is theology, and not testable historically?

Q&A question

Isaiah Isaiah 52 Isaiah Isaiah 52
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

“Free Grace” Theology, Faith, & Works: Free grace theology says that "save" in James 2: 14 means from physical death or harm. All uses of the word “save” in James 2: 14 are in the context of physical harm, so why is this different for you in 2: 14?

Q&A question: “Free Grace” Theology, Faith, & Works

James James 2 James James 2
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

Do you Know of any Biblical Marriage Songs?: I write lyrics for songs and I'm wondering if there are any marriage songs based on biblical theology. I spent years writing one to my wife and it still doesn't work. Looking for examples to follow.

Q&A question: Do you Know of any Biblical Marriage Songs?

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Covenant vs. Dispensational Theology: What's your thought on the reformed perspective of Covenant Theology vs. the dispensational view?

Q&A question: Covenant vs. Dispensational Theology

dispensationalism covenant theology
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Discussing Theology Without Focusing on Death: My 14 y.o. does not like the subject of death (her father/my husband died suddenly 4 years ago). How can I talk about salvation and other biblical things in a way that doesn’t make her anxious?

Q&A question: Discussing Theology Without Focusing on Death

marriage salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

When Married Couples Disagree on Theology: What is your view of a husband and wife having differing opinions on eschatology or matters of salvation and particular biblical verses? Is it best to just agree to disagree?

Q&A question: When Married Couples Disagree on Theology

marriage salvation eschatology
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

About the Beginning of the New Covenant: Did the New Covenant start when the Temple, which housed the Ark of the Covenant, was destroyed?

Q&A question: About the Beginning of the New Covenant

covenant theology
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

Book Recommendations?: What are some good books for important topics like systematic theology, hermeneutics, complementarianism, etc.?

Q&A question: Book Recommendations?

complementarianism
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

About the Subordination of the Son: How do you explain the subordination of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:3; 15: 28) to the Father within Trinitarian theology? I explain it via incarnational subordination (Philippians 2:5; Hebrews 29; 5:8).

Q&A question: About the Subordination of the Son

1 Corinthians 11:3 1 Corinthians 11 1 Corinthians 11:3 Trinity Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

About Questionable Worship Lyrics: I play guitar at my church. I don’t always agree with the theology couched in some songs. I don’t sing lines I don’t agree with, but I am still on stage. Would love to hear your general thoughts on this!

Q&A question: About Questionable Worship Lyrics

worship
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

Theology Books for Teens/College Age: My 17 yr. old son is into theology. Do you have any theology books you’d recommend for teens/college students that aren’t weighty reads, but offer good, biblical answers to Christian questions? Something that will interest a teenager without getting lost into a huge textbook.

Q&A question: Theology Books for Teens/College Age

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

Does God Bless in Material Ways?: Does God still bless us in material ways, or was that just for the old covenant and now He solely blesses us in spiritual ways?

Q&A question: Does God Bless in Material Ways?

covenant theology
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-17

Refuting WMSCOG Theology: I was approached by the Mother God cult in a department store, and they used Galatians 4: 26. How could I bring clarity to this verse for them next time?

Q&A question: Refuting WMSCOG Theology

Galatians 4 Galatians 4
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-04

About the “7 Mountain Mandate”: Could you explain why the “7 Mountain Mandate” is wrong theology? It is so popular and, on the surface, seems like such a good idea.

Q&A question: About the “7 Mountain Mandate”

Mike Winger idea 2022-02-04

Attending No Church vs. an Unbiblical Church?: Is it better to attend a church you disagree with in theology, rather than not attending church at all?

Q&A question: Attending No Church vs. an Unbiblical Church?

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

Reformed Theology vs. Calvinism: What’s the difference between “Reformed theology” and Calvinism? It seems like the two are different, but also the same. Just curious to know all the different groups within this body of believers.

Q&A question: Reformed Theology vs. Calvinism

Calvinism
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-15

Can We “Over-Study” the Bible?: Is it possible to over-study Scripture & theology? I feel like I constantly burn myself out on God's Word, but I also feel terrible if I go too long (like a day or two) without studying it.

Q&A question: Can We “Over-Study” the Bible?

Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

Is Rapture Theology Biblical?: Is it true that rapture theology didn't exist before the 19th century and that it’s a relatively modern interpretation?

Q&A question: Is Rapture Theology Biblical?

rapture
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-05

Are Pictures of God in Movies or School Biblical?: Is Christian entertainment like The Chosen a violation of the 2nd Commandment? Are things like Sunday school lessons hurting our theology by using pictures of things or people?

Q&A question: Are Pictures of God in Movies or School Biblical?

Mike Winger idea 2022-08-19

About Kenosis Theology: Is Bethel style Kenosis theology from Philippians 2:5-11 heretical (where Christ is said to have lost His divinity to live instead as a human)? Or is that a secondary issue like sacraments and eschatology?

Q&A question: About Kenosis Theology

eschatology Bethel Church heresy
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-02

Traditional Preferences over Biblical Theology?: I’m an ex-Catholic, but I’m getting pulled back in. I don’t know why, but I just like praying in Latin, the Rosary, praying to saints, and using scripted prayers because I don’t know how to pray on my own.

Q&A question: Traditional Preferences over Biblical Theology?

Roman Catholicism prayer
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Is Typology Only About Jesus?: Is typology only ever about Jesus? If so, how do we explain the type/antitype in 1 Peter 3: 21? If not, how do we tell true vs. false types when "no new theology" can come from typology?

Q&A question: Is Typology Only About Jesus?

1 Peter 3 Peter Jesus 1 Peter 3
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

Study Resource Recommendations: Are there any non-Calvinist Systematic Theology books you recommend?

Q&A question: Study Resource Recommendations

Calvinism
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

How Deep in Theology to go while Evangelizing: How much of the doctrine of the Trinity do we need to explain while sharing the Gospel (especially when it comes to the hypostatic union)?

Q&A question: How Deep in Theology to go while Evangelizing

Trinity angels
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-09

About the Cruciform Hermeneutic: What are your thoughts on the cruciform hermeneutic or cruciform theology?

Q&A question: About the Cruciform Hermeneutic

hermeneutics
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-15

Relearning Proper Theology: One of your videos gave my fiancé a change of heart. He is a former Jehovah’s Witness and feels like he has to start over and unlearn then relearn everything. Where do you suggest we start studying?

Q&A question: Relearning Proper Theology

Jehovah's Witnesses
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-15

Should We Avoid Semi-Pelagianism?: I'm a Calvinist, and recently I have been noticing Semi-Pelagian theology in Arminian churches. Can you distinguish between the two and explain why we should avoid Semi-Pelagianism?

Q&A question: Should We Avoid Semi-Pelagianism?

Calvinism
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-01

How to Honor your Parents: How can I honor my parents while not agreeing with their lifestyle or theology? What does it mean to honor your parents biblically as a young adult, and when/where do you draw the line?

Q&A question: How to Honor your Parents

Mike Winger idea 2023-12-29

Why Follow Any of the OT?: What would you say to the objection that “if we don't follow the old covenant anymore, why should we care about Leviticus 18”?

Q&A question: Why Follow Any of the OT?

covenant theology