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Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

The chief priests, scribes, and elders = a delegation from the Sanhedrin (Jewish supreme court, ~70 members). This is a significant escalation — Jesus is now on their turf in Jerusalem, confronting the highest authority in Israel.

Identifying the Sanhedrin delegation in Mark 11:27-28

John 18:31 Mark 11:27-33 Sanhedrin Sanhedrin temple cleansing

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Christians must have spines — courage of conviction — when facing cultural pressure. Not angry Christians, but Christians who speak truth clearly and wisely. The persecuted church's lesson: when you know you're following God's revealed Word, you don't need man's permission.

Application on Christian courage in the face of authority and cultural pressure

Christian courage people-pleasing

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-12

Psalm 118:22-23 (rejected cornerstone) is quoted by the crowd entering Jerusalem AND by Jesus to the Sanhedrin — the "builders" (scribes/scholars in rabbinic literature) reject the stone, but God establishes it anyway. The "others" who receive the vineyard are the leaders of the Christian church.

The cornerstone quotation and who replaces the vine growers

James 3:1 Psalm 118:22-23 papacy James 3:1 leadership accountability

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

Mark 12:13-17 ("Render to Caesar") is one of the most political NT passages — the Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about the poll tax, and Jesus's answer gives principles for Christian politics.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 47 on the tribute to Caesar

Mark 12:13-17 Mark series render to Caesar Mark 12:13-17 render to Caesar

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

The external evidence (compositional textbooks, Plutarch) is far weaker than claimed. The textbooks never explicitly say "it's acceptable to change historical facts." Plutarch's differences may just be mistakes, not intentional literary devices. Licona admits attributing devices to the Gospels that aren't even found in the textbooks or Plutarch.

Critique of the external evidence for literary devices

Plutarch Mike Licona Mike Licona

Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

God's justice is BOTH restorative AND retributive — using restoration to eliminate punishment is itself unjust. The solution to wrongful convictions is to reform the death penalty, not abolish it.

Restorative vs. retributive justice, and the wrongful conviction problem

Revelation 6:10 Roman Catholicism death penalty Revelation 6:10

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 2020-11-16

Jesus agreed with the Pharisees on 4 points (supernatural worldview, resurrection, Scripture authority, messianic focus of OT) but disagreed on 3 (traditions as doctrine, authority claims, works-righteousness). Jesus agreed with the Sadducees on NOTHING.

Summary: Jesus vs. Pharisees vs. Sadducees mapped to modern groups

Roman Catholicism sola scriptura resurrection

Mike Winger idea 2020-11-23

The greatest commandment — love God with ALL your heart, soul, mind, strength — is what everyone gets wrong about morality. Love of GOD comes first, love of neighbor second. Not all sins are equal; violating this foremost command is the most serious.

Mark 12:28-34 verse-by-verse study on the greatest commandment

Mark 12:28-34 Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Leviticus 19:18 Mark 12:28-34 Shema Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Mike Winger idea 2021-01-04

In Mark 12:35-37, Jesus asks a riddle about Psalm 110:1 — if the Messiah is David's son, why does David call him "Lord"? Jesus is challenging the LIMITED christology that the Messiah is merely a human descendant of David.

Mark Series pt 50: Jesus's question about Christ and David from Psalm 110

Psalm 110:1 Mark 12:35-37 Mark series deity of Christ Psalm 110:1 Mark 12:35-37

Mike Winger idea 2021-01-11

Mark 12:38-44 is Jesus's warning about fake spirituality in leadership and money-grubbing preachers, paired with the widow's offering showing what genuine sacrificial giving looks like. This is a pervasive, ongoing danger.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 51 on the scribes and the widow's mite

Mark 12:38-44 Mark series Mark 12:38-44 Mark series fake spiritual leadership

Mike Winger idea 2021-01-11

Sacrificial giving has the highest value to Jesus — the things that cost you the most are worth the most. When you think your service to God is at its lowest value, Jesus may see it at its highest.

The widow's mite principle: sacrifice determines value, not amount

widows mite sacrificial giving widows mite

Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Is Satan an Actual “being”?: What would you say to the brethren that suggest that Satan is not actually a being? People argue that the OT doesn’t describe him as a singular being but something of the human mind.

Q&A question: Is Satan an Actual “being”?

Satan

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

About Bribery in the book of Proverbs: Can you please help me and my friend understand Proverbs 21: 14 about bribery? We read the references below the verse but still find it hard to understand.

Q&A question: About Bribery in the book of Proverbs

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

About Imputed Righteousness: Is imputed righteousness synonymous with forgiveness of sins? Or does God require more than just sinlessness (that is to say: a positive ascribed righteousness)?

Q&A question: About Imputed Righteousness

forgiveness

Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

About the Vanishing & Glass Seas – Revelation: In Revelation 21:1, it describes the "sea vanishing." Is this sea the same as the "sea of glass" in Revelation 4:6 where some have suggested it symbolizes the barrier that separated God from man?

Q&A question: About the Vanishing & Glass Seas – Revelation

revelation Revelation 21 revelation Revelation 21

Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

About the Trinity & God’s Attributes: How can the three persons of the Trinity be distinct if they all have the same attributes (Omni-s) and their wills are the same?

Q&A question: About the Trinity & God’s Attributes

Trinity

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

What is the Mark of the Beast?: What is the mark of the beast as described in Revelation 13? I’ve heard and read so many things, and I’m not sure how to make sense of it.

Q&A question: What is the Mark of the Beast?

Revelation 13 revelation Revelation 13 revelation

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

About the Day of the Lord: How do you interpret the “day of the Lord”? Do you understand it as a single day, or do you see it as the whole tribulation period? People seem to have differing views on this.

Q&A question: About the Day of the Lord

tribulation

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Can There Be Differing Interpretations of Scripture?: If the word “clear” is used to describe a teaching in the Bible by two Christians with opposing views on the same teaching, wouldn’t that void the effectiveness of using the word in that way?

Q&A question: Can There Be Differing Interpretations of Scripture?

hermeneutics

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-22

About the Galilean Wedding/The Rapture: Have you studied the Galilean wedding being justification for a pre-trib rapture? I’m having a hard time finding trusted sources to teach on this.

Q&A question: About the Galilean Wedding/The Rapture

justification rapture

Mike Winger idea 2021-11-12

Do OT Prophecies Mention Jesus by Name?: Old Testament Prophecies foretold Jesus coming as Messiah, but do any of those prophecies actually name Jesus? Are they being attributed to Him without proof? How do we know any prophecy applies to Him?

Q&A question: Do OT Prophecies Mention Jesus by Name?

Jesus prophecy

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About Ephraim / Israel: Often when I see Ephraim mentioned, it looks to me like God is referring to all of Israel. Have I misunderstood something? Why does He use this tribe? My reading today: Jeremiah 31:6 (?), 18, & 20.

Q&A question: About Ephraim / Israel

Jeremiah Jeremiah 31 Jeremiah Jeremiah 31

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

About Revelation/Great Tribulation: Do you have any idea why Revelation 7: 14 in the NLT says these are the ones who died, but other translations say they came out of the Great Tribulation?

Q&A question: About Revelation/Great Tribulation

revelation tribulation revelation

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-17

Is Luke a “Social Justice Gospel”?: The book of Luke is being described as the "social justice gospel” in Progressive circles. What do you think about Luke being described as the social justice gospel?

Q&A question: Is Luke a “Social Justice Gospel”?

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

Tips for Consistent Bible Reading: I’ve been pretty terrible with reading my Bible in past years, and I really want to stay in God’s Word this year (and always). Can you please give me some advice on how to read my Bible consistently? I always start reading plans, fall behind, then just stop reading altogether.

Q&A question: Tips for Consistent Bible Reading

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

About Jews & the Great Tribulation: I heard a pastor claim that 2/3 of Jews will die during the Great Tribulation, and the ones who survive will become Christians. Is this what Paul was referring to with “all Israel will be saved”?

Q&A question: About Jews & the Great Tribulation

tribulation pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

Pastor Mike’s Favorite Attributes of God: What is your personal favorite aspect/quality of each member of the Trinity?

Q&A question: Pastor Mike’s Favorite Attributes of God

Trinity pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-18

About the Elect & The Tribulation: Can you be saved but not elect? I’m confused by Mark 13: 20. Will the elect be taken by the rapture, or will they suffer during the Tribulation?

Q&A question: About the Elect & The Tribulation

Mark 13 Mark 13 rapture tribulation

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-18

Theism vs. Biblical Christianity: I’m a theist, but I am not a Christian. What are some attributes of God? And how does Jesus exhibit them in specific situations in the Bible? Could you please pray that God gives me confirmation in my mind of the deity of Jesus? Or at least whether or not Jesus rose from the dead. No matter the evidence, I can’t tell. I want the truth.

Q&A question: Theism vs. Biblical Christianity

Jesus

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 2022-05-20

About Prophecy in Matthew’s Gospel: A Muslim asked: “Why did the Gospel of Matthew ascribe the prophecy in Isaiah 7 to Jesus, when that prophecy described events which didn’t happen within centuries in Jesus’ lifetime?”

Q&A question: About Prophecy in Matthew’s Gospel

Isaiah Matthew Isaiah Jesus prophecy

Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Rapture vs. Second Coming?: Do you think the rapture and the second coming could be different events? I have heard some Christians suggest this, explaining how the rapture will come before the tribulation.

Q&A question: Rapture vs. Second Coming?

second coming rapture tribulation

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

About Eschatology/The Second Coming: In Matthew 4: 42 Jesus warns believers to be ready for a second coming. Does this point to a partial rapture of only those actively practicing their faith, with others having to endure tribulation?

Q&A question: About Eschatology/The Second Coming

Matthew Matthew 4 Jesus second coming rapture

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

Is Satan Omnipresent?: I was asked if Satan was omnipresent. I said no, but was met with some push back. What are some good Bible verses to prove why Satan is not omnipresent and why this attribute is exclusive to God?

Q&A question: Is Satan Omnipresent?

Satan

Mike Winger idea 2023-02-17

Prophecy Fulfillment, or Just Staged?: People quote prophecy as evidence of Jesus’ deity. Couldn’t He have deliberately fulfilled some prophecies, such as bribing men to divide His clothes, or purposefully riding a donkey into Jerusalem?

Q&A question: Prophecy Fulfillment, or Just Staged?

Jesus prophecy

Mike Winger idea 2023-02-17

Is there a Proper Format for Church Services?: Is the current way we do church services prescribed in the Bible? Where did this current style of worship come from?

Q&A question: Is there a Proper Format for Church Services?

worship

Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

Eschatological Timings: What effect does Psalm 110:1 and Luke 20: 42-43 have on the timing or placement of the rapture of the Church in reference to the tribulation?

Q&A question: Eschatological Timings

Psalm 110 Psalm 110:1 rapture eschatology tribulation

Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

Why Did God Choose the Tribe of Levi?: Do we know why God chose the tribe of Levi to be the priesthood?

Q&A question: Why Did God Choose the Tribe of Levi?

Mike Winger idea 2023-04-07

Slave to Sin?: In Romans 7: 14, is Paul describing his experience before or after he became a Christian? He’s just shifted to the present tense, but says he is sold as a slave to sin. Does this differ from Romans 8?

Q&A question: Slave to Sin?

Romans 8 Romans 7 Romans 8 Romans 7

Mike Winger idea 2023-05-12

Infinite Punishment for Finite Crimes?: Why does God give infinite punishment for finite crimes? Even from a biblical point of view, not every crime is prescribed the same punishment. So why, then, can a person never serve the entirety of their punishment in Hell?

Q&A question: Infinite Punishment for Finite Crimes?

hell

Mike Winger idea 2023-07-07

Why isn’t Dan Listed?: In Revelation 7, 12 x 1200 are listed from 11 of the 12 tribes. Dan isn't listed. What's up with that?

Q&A question: Why isn’t Dan Listed?

revelation revelation

Mike Winger idea 2023-07-21

Envy vs. Jealousy?: Is there a difference between envy and jealousy? Can you describe what the difference is biblically?

Q&A question: Envy vs. Jealousy?

Mike Winger idea 2023-07-21

Song of Solomon = Christ & Church?: I am currently studying Song of Solomon, and I was wondering, do you believe that it represents Christ and the Church? I have an issue with that, as the book describes a sexual relationship.

Q&A question: Song of Solomon = Christ & Church?

Solomon

Mike Winger idea 2023-09-01

Uncontacted Tribes & Judgment: I was wondering, what will happen to the uncontacted tribes during the time of Jacob’s trouble, and without the ability to hear the Gospel, what does judgment look like for them?

Q&A question: Uncontacted Tribes & Judgment

Jacob

Mike Winger idea 2023-09-15

Were Christ’s Sufferings Lacking Something?: In Colossians 1: 24, what is lacking in Christ’s sufferings, and how is Paul contributing to them?

Q&A question: Were Christ’s Sufferings Lacking Something?

Colossians 1 Colossians 1 suffering

Mike Winger idea 2023-09-29

Our Bodies during the Millennial Reign: What kind of body will each "group" of people have during the Millennial Reign? I know the previously dead will receive knew bodies, and those that die in God during the Tribulation will get new bodies.

Q&A question: Our Bodies during the Millennial Reign