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Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

Psalm 118 is the key text the crowd quotes — it prophesies the rejected cornerstone (Messiah rejected by Israel's leaders) whom God establishes anyway. Jesus quotes it about himself in Mark 12.

Detailed exposition of Psalm 118 and its messianic significance

Acts 7 Psalm 118 Psalm 118:22 typology typology Acts 7
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Six reasons why "this mountain" is NOT limited to the temple (contra cessationist interpretation), but is a general truth about prayer: Paul's usage, Matthew/Luke parallels, OT mountain-moving language.

Refuting Jeff Durbin's cessationist interpretation that limits Mark 11 to imprecatory prayer against the temple

1 Corinthians 13:2 Mark 11:24 Mark 13:2 cessationism 1 Corinthians 13:2 cessationism
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Faith for miracles is different from saving faith — it's initiated by God (a spiritual gift), not fabricated by the believer. Jesus had a responsive ministry to the Father, not initiatory. You respond to what the Spirit reveals.

Theological framework: miracle-faith as God-initiated response, not self-generated belief

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

The trap: Pharisees and Herodians (sent by the Sanhedrin) use flattery to pressure Jesus into a direct yes/no answer. They want either criminal charges (sedition) or depopularization (alienating zealot followers).

Analysis of the trap question setup in Mark 12:13-16

Mark 12:13-17 Acts 5:37 Proverbs 29:5 Josephus Josephus Sanhedrin
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Paul before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23) is a model — he cleverly divided the room on the resurrection issue rather than just proclaiming Jesus is Lord.

Example of Christian cleverness from Paul in Acts 23

Acts 23 Matthew 10:16 Acts 23 Matthew 10:16 shrewd as serpents
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

A controversy exists in NT scholarship over whether gospel authors used "literary devices" from Greco-Roman biography that allowed them to change facts. Dr. Lydia McGrew argues against this; Mike Licona argues for it.

Introduction to the literary devices controversy with Dr. Lydia McGrew

Mike Licona Mike Licona Lydia McGrew
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 2020-10-29

The historical problem of racism in the US is genuinely appalling — race is a social construct invented to justify white dominance, US chattel slavery was predicated on the anti-gospel act of man-stealing, and legalized racism lasted ~340 years (1619-1964).

Honest accounting of US racial history before critiquing CRT

1 Timothy 1:10 Acts 17:26 1 Timothy 1:10 racism history US Acts 17:26
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-29

Biblical framework: impartiality in judgment (no favoritism for rich or poor), all humans of one blood in God's image, individual sin/accountability, Scripture as the authority over lived experience. CRT is incompatible with Christianity on every core tenet.

The biblical response to CRT

Leviticus 19:15 image of God image of God biblical justice
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

Discerning false prophets by their "fruit" (Matthew 7:15-20) — fruit is defined IN the passage as whether their teaching leads people to do God's will vs. lawlessness. It's not about charismatic experiences or emotional reactions.

Q4: How to practically use Matthew 7:15-20 to discern people?

Acts 2 Matthew Matthew 7 Acts 2 Jesus prophecy
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

About Jupiter in the Bible: In Acts 19:35 where it says “the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter,” is this referring to the planet Jupiter, and did they know of other planets in that period of time?

Q&A question: About Jupiter in the Bible

Acts 19 Acts 19
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

About the Early Church & Socialism: Should Christians be living like the early Church in a sort of voluntary Socialism as found in Acts 2: 42-47 and Acts 4: 32-37?

Q&A question: About the Early Church & Socialism

Acts 2 Acts 4 Acts 2 Acts 4
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

How is the Holy Spirit Received?: How does receiving the Holy Spirit work? In Acts, there are two times the HS is poured out: Jews (Ch. 2) and then Gentiles (Ch. 10), but every other time is passed by laying on of hands (Acts 8: 14-18, 19:6, etc.).

Q&A question: How is the Holy Spirit Received?

Acts 8 Acts 8
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

About Paul and a Time Gap in Scripture: Why didn’t Luke mention the time gap that took place during Acts 9: 20-26, that Paul mentioned in Galatians 1: 17-18?

Q&A question: About Paul and a Time Gap in Scripture

Galatians 1 Acts 9 Galatians 1 Acts 9
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

About Becoming a Disciple: How do you become a disciple in light of Matthew 28: 19? Can you be unsaved yet still a disciple? I haven’t found the Greek word (μαθητευω) elsewhere. Seems to normally be μαθητης (ex. Acts 11: 29; 19: 30; 21:4, 16).

Q&A question: About Becoming a Disciple

Matthew Matthew 28 Acts 11 Matthew Matthew 28 Acts 11
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 2021-11-05

Is Baptism Required?: Why does the Bible sound like baptism is required for salvation in some places (eg. Mark 16: 16)? Does Acts 1:5 answer what KIND of baptism IS required (Holy Spirit baptism)? And what did Jesus mean by “to fulfill righteousness”?

Q&A question: Is Baptism Required?

Mark 16 Acts 1 Jesus salvation baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About the Evidence of the Spirit: In Acts 8, how did they know when the Samaritans had and had not received the Holy Spirit? Pentecostals teach that it must have been tongues. Is there another explanation?

Q&A question: About the Evidence of the Spirit

Acts 8 Acts 8 tongues
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 2022-02-04

Intellectual Agreement vs. Faith in Christ: I believe I'm trusting in Jesus' death and resurrection for salvation, but I have OCD and can't control my thoughts. So how do I know if I'm really trusting, or just agreeing with facts intellectually?

Q&A question: Intellectual Agreement vs. Faith in Christ

Jesus salvation resurrection
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-04

Refuting a Calvinist Interpretation: I am not a Calvinist, but I am having a very hard time finding a non-Calvinist interpretation of Acts 13: 48.

Q&A question: Refuting a Calvinist Interpretation

Acts 13 Calvinism Acts 13
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

Defending the Trinity: What are your thoughts on the argument against the Trinity that points out the lack of a Trinitarian controversy (like that of Nicaea) in the time of Acts and the writing of the New Testament?

Q&A question: Defending the Trinity

Trinity
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-01

Winger says NO — do not follow your husband to a cult. The Bible never gives husbands spiritual authority to dictate their wife's worship. Wives have a relationship with God independent of their husbands. He also rejects the 'husband as priest of his house' teaching as unbiblical. Uses 1 Peter 3:1-6 extensively.

Q&A: Husband joined a cult teaching women go to hell for wearing makeup/trousers. Should wife submit and follow him there?

1 Peter 3:1-6 complementarianism headship complementarianism
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-15

Was Simon Magus Repentant?: In Acts 8:9, Do you think Simon Magus was aware that he wasn’t right with God before Peter rebuked him? Some commentaries assume that he was never truly repentant, but some say he was genuine.

Q&A question: Was Simon Magus Repentant?

Acts 8 Peter Acts 8
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-06

Should we Command People to be Healed?: Should we command for someone to be healed, or ask God for someone to be healed (Acts 3:6)? Do we have the very same authority of the Apostles to perform miracles (Mark 16: 17-18)?

Q&A question: Should we Command People to be Healed?

Mark 16 Acts 3:6 miracles Mark 16 Apostles
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Can we be Sure of the Resurrection?: In Acts 25: 20, if Festus and Agrippa can't be sure of the resurrection claim, how can we be sure now?

Q&A question: Can we be Sure of the Resurrection?

resurrection Festus
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

About Receiving the Spirit: If we are to believe that you receive the Holy Spirit when you believe, why does there seem to be a separation from believing and receiving in Acts 19:1-2?

Q&A question: About Receiving the Spirit

Acts 19 Acts 19
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-15

About Mid-Acts Dispensationalism: Can you give some more information on the Mid-Acts Dispensationalism movement? It sounds biblical.

Q&A question: About Mid-Acts Dispensationalism

dispensationalism
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

Minimal Facts vs. Maximal Facts Arguments: Is a minimal facts argument or maximal facts argument better in presenting the truth of the Resurrection of Jesus?

Q&A question: Minimal Facts vs. Maximal Facts Arguments

Jesus resurrection
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 2022-08-05

Should we be Baptized while Having Doubts?: People encourage me to get baptized ASAP (Acts 22: 16), but I struggle with serious psychological doubts. Should I disregard my doubts and get baptized? Can I take more time?

Q&A question: Should we be Baptized while Having Doubts?

baptism
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Should False Teachers be Shown Less Grace?: I've been told that when witnessing to groups such as the LDS (Mormons), a rebuke is better than a conversation because of Acts 13:8-10. Should false teachers be shown less grace than non-believers?

Q&A question: Should False Teachers be Shown Less Grace?

Acts 13 Mormonism Acts 13
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-02

Do Some People Get More Grace?: Romans 5:2 says we stand on grace. In Acts 4: 33, it says great grace was upon them all. Does that mean some people have more grace? I’ve heard you say we don't get grace little by little.

Q&A question: Do Some People Get More Grace?

Romans 5 Acts 4 Romans 5 Acts 4
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

Is it Possible to be “Good”?: “Good Man”? Jesus said there is none good but God in Luke 18: 19, Mathew 19: 17, and Mark 10: 18. But, in Acts 11: 24 it talks about a Good Man. Also in Matthew 12: 35, Proverbs 13: 22, and Romans 5:7 (NIV).

Q&A question: Is it Possible to be “Good”?

Romans 5 Matthew 12 Matthew Romans 5 Jesus Matthew 12
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Do Our Spiritual Gifts Ever Change?: As believers, are we given a static set of spiritual gifts, or are our gifts more dynamic in nature so that God adds to and/or subtracts from them according to our season of life or our maturity in Him?

Q&A question: Do Our Spiritual Gifts Ever Change?

spiritual gifts
Mike Winger idea 2022-10-21

Did Luke Journey With Paul?: I have studied Acts verse-by-verse and I have noticed that in some parts the writer uses “we” and “us” (Chapter 28 for example). Was Luke with Paul on his missionary journeys?

Q&A question: Did Luke Journey With Paul?

Mike Winger idea 2023-01-13

Do Tiny Choices Affect History?: Should Christians ever concern themselves with ideas like the butterfly effect (the idea that tiny choices have big impacts on history)?

Q&A question: Do Tiny Choices Affect History?

Mike Winger idea 2023-01-27

About the Nicolaitans: Isn't Jesus hating the Nicolaitans in Revelation 2:6 out of character? Also, who were they? I hear they were a cult from the Nicholas of Acts 6, one of the 7 deacons.

Q&A question: About the Nicolaitans

Acts 6 revelation Revelation 2 Acts 6 Jesus revelation
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

Does Jesus’ Compassion Change?: When Jesus interacts with people, He is often compassionate. However, with the 12, he most often sounds harsh. Does His relationship toward us change once we are “on the team"?

Q&A question: Does Jesus’ Compassion Change?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-05

How Do We “Abstain from Blood” Today?: How, as 21st century Christians, should we understand the decree for gentile believers to abstain from blood (Acts 15: 20, 28, 29)?

Q&A question: How Do We “Abstain from Blood” Today?

Acts 15 Acts 15
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

Baptized Believer, but Not Indwelled?: Acts 8: 16 says that believers in Samaria were baptized but hadn’t yet received the Spirit. Can one believe and be baptized without receiving the Spirit?

Q&A question: Baptized Believer, but Not Indwelled?

Acts 8 Acts 8 baptism
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-21

Do Not Evangelize to Some People?: Are there situations or groups of people for whom we shouldn't share the Gospel? Acts 16:6-7 seems to say so, but I'd love to hear your insight on the topic and your interpretation of this passage.

Q&A question: Do Not Evangelize to Some People?

angels
Mike Winger idea 2023-08-18

Was Paul Married? Widowed?: Acts 26:9-10: "...cast my vote" has implications that Paul was in the Sanhedrin (also residing over Stephen's trial in 8:1), which would have required him to be married (even though that requirement wasn't recorded until later; I'm guessing it was still implemented). Could Paul have been married? Perhaps widowed?

Q&A question: Was Paul Married? Widowed?

Stephen Sanhedrin
Mike Winger idea 2023-08-18

The Fruit of False Prophets: In Matthew 7: 15-20, what are the fruits of the false prophets? The teaching? The followers? The acts? Or something else?

Q&A question: The Fruit of False Prophets

Matthew Matthew 7 prophecy Matthew Matthew 7
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-15

Hasn’t Jesus Always Been Lord?: Peter said in Acts 2: 36 that God has "made Jesus both Lord and Christ." He was already Lord and Christ, so what does this mean? Same with Jesus being “given all authority” in Matthew 28: 18.

Q&A question: Hasn’t Jesus Always Been Lord?

Acts 2 Matthew Matthew 28 Peter Acts 2 Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-01

Honoring God & Each Other in Marital Intimacy: Does a wife have to do everything her husband wishes in the bedroom? I feel so uncomfortable doing oral acts, but he says it’s the only thing that satisfies him. I feel guilty. We both are believers.

Q&A question: Honoring God & Each Other in Marital Intimacy

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2024-01-26

Interpreting the Book of Acts: How do we interpret the book of Acts? Is it a reasonable interpretation that it’s merely a transitional period and that we have to be careful how much doctrine we take from it?

Q&A question: Interpreting the Book of Acts

hermeneutics
Mike Winger idea 2024-02-16

Solomon: Salvation & “The Book of His Acts”?: My question is, was Solomon saved? Did he repent after what he did? what is the Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11: 41)?

Q&A question: Solomon: Salvation & “The Book of His Acts”?

1 Kings 11 salvation Solomon 1 Kings 11
Mike Winger idea 2024-02-23

Does Acts 13 Prove Calvinism?: I'd like to hear your thoughts about Acts 13: 48. It seems to contradict the idea that God wants everyone to be saved and that everyone has the same opportunity/free will to believe in Him.

Q&A question: Does Acts 13 Prove Calvinism?

Acts 13 Calvinism Acts 13 free will