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Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

Jesus redirects from taxes to the image of God — you bear God's image, so you belong to God. For the Christian, there is no separation between religion and politics; being a Christian IS the lens through which you engage all of life.

The image of God as the foundational political principle

image of God image of God render to Caesar
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

Positive evidence FOR gospel reliability: consistent personality of Jesus across Gospels, unexplained allusions (John 7 — Jesus quotes a scripture nobody can identify), unnecessary realistic details, and the absence of realistic fiction as a genre in the first century.

McGrew's positive case for the reportage model

John 7 undesigned coincidences Lydia McGrew John 7
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 2020-11-16

Jesus identifies TWO problems with the Sadducees: they don't know the Scriptures AND they don't know the power of God. He then proves resurrection FROM the Pentateuch — their own strongest ground — using Exodus 3:6 ("I am the God of Abraham").

Jesus's response: two rebukes and the burning bush argument for resurrection

Mark 12:18-27 Exodus 3:6 resurrection resurrection marriage in heaven
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

Using Scripture against Scripture is the Sadducee/progressive playbook: Obama used the Sermon on the Mount to dismiss Romans on same-sex marriage; Rob Bell used "God is love" to dismiss hell. The only safe position is believing ALL of Scripture.

The progressive pattern of pitting Scripture against Scripture

Rob Bell Barack Obama progressive Christianity
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 2020-11-23

Four common confusions about love that corrupt Christian morality: (1) "love is love" — but loving God comes first; (2) love is not approval of life choices; (3) love is not about sex/romance; (4) love never justifies sin or competes with holiness.

Correcting modern misunderstandings of love

love God first love is not approval
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-23

The world's morality is loving PEOPLE as the whole story. Biblical morality is loving GOD first, with loving people as an expression of that. Both dangers: lowering the standard of holiness, or forgetting grace and living in defeat.

The moral error the world makes and the balanced Christian response

greatest commandment love God first
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 2021-01-04

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 2021-01-11

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

The veneer problem: leaders can portray a greater spirituality than they actually possess. Those who don't notice it reward it, installing fake spiritual leaders who install more. Character must trump stage skills in leadership selection.

The danger of rewarding veneer over substance in church leadership

leadership accountability leadership accountability 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 2021-01-18

Mark 13:5-13 lists things that are NOT signs of Jesus's second coming — wars, earthquakes, pandemics, famines. Jesus is expressly warning against premature messianic expectations, but Christians consistently misuse these verses as signs.

Introduction to Mark 13:1-13 on things that are NOT signs of the end

Mark 13:1-13 Mark series end times predictions Mark 13:1-13 Mark series
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-18

Verses 5-13 are a list of NON-SIGNS: false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution — Jesus explicitly says "the end is not yet" and "these are merely the beginning of birth pangs." Do not use these to predict Christ's return.

Detailed exegesis of Mark 13:5-13 as warnings against false predictions

Mark 13:5-8 World Mission Society Church of God Mark 13:5-8 World Mission Society Church of God
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-18

The Christian response to persecution is NOT pointing fingers and crying "persecution!" — it's loving enemies, blessing those who persecute you, praying for those who spitefully use you. Persecution is a chance to shine Christ's love.

Biblical response to persecution from Mark 13:9-13

Mark 13:1-13 Mark 13:1-13 persecution response
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

The disciples couldn't cast out the demon (Luke 9:40-41) because of faithlessness — Jesus calls them a "faithless and twisted generation." Spiritual power comes through faith and prayer/fasting, not technique.

Q7: Why couldn't the disciples cast out the demon in Luke 9?

Luke 9 Mark 9 Jesus prayer Luke 9
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About our Future Glorified Bodies: Will we still have scars and such in our new bodies? Like when Jesus was resurrected, He still had His crucifixion marks. Was that just for God’s purposes (Thomas) or is it a sneak-peek of what our new bodies will be like?

Q&A question: About our Future Glorified Bodies

Jesus Thomas
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

God of the Living AND the Dead?: In Mark 12: 27, Jesus says God is the God of the living, not the dead; yet in Roman 14:9, Paul says He is the God of the living and the dead. How do I reconcile this?

Q&A question: God of the Living AND the Dead?

Mark 12 Jesus Mark 12
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

Was Jesus Dead for Three Days?: According to Matthew 12: 40, Jesus predicted He would be dead for 3 days. But according to Mathew 28:1 and Mark 16:9, it seems this wasn’t the case. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Was Jesus Dead for Three Days?

Matthew 12 Mark 16 Matthew Jesus Matthew 12 Mark 16
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

About Asking for Forgiveness/Mark of the Beast: A popular internet ministry says Jesus never said we need to ask for forgiveness and the Bible doesn’t mention it. Is that true? They also say it’s impossible for a Christian to take mark of the beast. Is that true?

Q&A question: About Asking for Forgiveness/Mark of the Beast

Jesus forgiveness
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

Why Keep the L.E. of Mark in the Bible?: If the longer ending of Mark isn't original, nor written by Mark, how is keeping it in the Bible not diluting the Word of God and cheapening the meaning of "Scripture"?

Q&A question: Why Keep the L.E. of Mark in the Bible?

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 LE of Mark: You've said that we should leave in the longer ending of Mark's Gospel because removing it could upset some Christians. If this is so, then should we be including things like the Comma Johanneum because removing that has upset some Christians? Where do you believe we should draw the line, and why?

Q&A question: About the LE of Mark

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

Was Mary Surprised about Jesus’ Deity?: If Mary was aware of the immaculate conception (visited by an angel, etc.), why in Mark 3: 21 does it seem she’s surprised about Jesus being the Messiah? Scripture says His "family" that goes to "take charge of Him" for being out of His mind are His mother & brothers. Why would Mary think He is out of His mind if she had been visited by an angel?

Q&A question: Was Mary Surprised about Jesus’ Deity?

Mark 3 Jesus Mark 3 angels
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-08

About the Marks of Stigmata: What do you think about the marks of the stigmata? Is there any way this could be biblical, even if someone isn't Catholic?

Q&A question: About the Marks of Stigmata

Roman Catholicism
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 Boundaries w/Unsaved Friends: I turned away from God 14 yrs. ago, but got saved this summer. My "best friend" has since made many bad remarks about me AND God. I only hear from him if HE needs something. Do I cut him off, or show him love?

Q&A question: About Boundaries w/Unsaved Friends

Mike Winger idea 2022-02-04

About Mars Hill / Pr. Mark Driscoll: What are the lessons we all can learn from Mark Driscoll and the “Rise and Fall of Mars Hill”?

Q&A question: About Mars Hill / Pr. Mark Driscoll

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

Where was Jesus After the Cross?: In a previous Mark series video, you mentioned that you don't believe Jesus descended into Hell after dying on the cross. If He didn't descend into hell, where did He go and what did He do?

Q&A question: Where was Jesus After the Cross?

Jesus hell
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 2022-04-08

About “The Last Reformation”: Have you heard of a movement called The Last Reformation, started by Torben Sondergaard in Denmark? Now he’s based in the U.S., but it has grown worldwide. Would you consider it a cult?

Q&A question: About “The Last Reformation”

Mike Winger idea 2022-04-08

About the Devil’s Disguise: The devil, according to 2 Corinthians 11: 14, disguises as angel of light, but can't fight against himself ( Mark 3: 24) or his kingdom won't stand. What if in disguising himself, he condemns himself?

Q&A question: About the Devil’s Disguise

Mark 3 Mark 3 angels
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-15

Why Did Jesus’ Body Still Have Marks?: Why did Jesus' resurrected body still bear the scars and injuries which brought about His death? It is my understanding that our own resurrected bodies will be perfect in every way, not merely those we had just prior to death. I, for one, want all my absent teeth and hair back! Why wasn't Jesus' body also perfect, as ours will be?

Q&A question: Why Did Jesus’ Body Still Have Marks?

Jesus
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 2022-09-16

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 2022-12-09

Did Jesus Overturn the Tables Twice?: Why is Jesus overturning the money tables in John 2 and not later when He enters Jerusalem (around John 11 or 12)? Did He do this 2 times and not just in His last week (Matthew 21: 12; Mark 11: 15)?

Q&A question: Did Jesus Overturn the Tables Twice?

Matthew John 11 Mark 11 Jesus Matthew John 11
Mike Winger idea 2023-02-17

Gospel Patterns?: Is Genesis 1:1-6 a foreshadowing of the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? John 1:1, Luke 1:1, Mark 1:1, Matthew 4: 17, and 1 John 1:1 all speak of beginning, then water, light, and darkness.

Q&A question: Gospel Patterns?

Genesis Genesis 1 John 1 Jesus Christ Jesus Genesis
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

The Man in Mark 14: Who was the man in Mark 14: 51-52? Could it be that this was somehow Jesus Himself escaping? As an unbeliever, how should I approach my readings? Any questions I should keep in mind?

Q&A question: The Man in Mark 14

Mark 14 Jesus Mark 14
Mike Winger idea 2023-08-18

Is Doubting OK?: I love Mark 9: 24 - “I believe, help my unbelief.” But how do we understand that along with James 1:6-8 which says to ask in faith with no doubting, as the one who doubts will not receive anything from the Lord?

Q&A question: Is Doubting OK?

James James 1 Mark 9 James James 1 Mark 9
Mike Winger idea 2024-02-09

Physical Appearances of Jesus Today?: Does Mark 13: 21-23 refute present-day claims of Jesus physically appearing to people, or is this a misapplication of the text?

Q&A question: Physical Appearances of Jesus Today?

Mark 13 Jesus Mark 13
Mike Winger idea 2024-02-23

Markan Sandwich in James?: Could James 1: 13-18, 1: 19-27 & 2:1-13 be similar to a Markan sandwich? If so, would it be correct that the focused interpretation of the 2 breads should be “Do not accuse God” of: 1. Tempting us to sin, 2. Not creating people equally? Can you explain the meat relative to the bread?

Q&A question: Markan Sandwich in James?

James James 1 James James 1
Mike Winger idea 2024-02-23

Mark vs. Matthew – Contradiction?: Can you explain what some say is contradictory between Mark 9: 38-41 (not against us = for us) & Matthew 12: 30 (not with me = against me) & how that applies to NAR/false teachers who profess Jesus?

Q&A question: Mark vs. Matthew – Contradiction?

Mark 9 Matthew 12 Matthew Jesus Mark 9 Matthew 12
Mike Winger idea 2024-05-24

Mark of the Beast: Literal or Symbolic?: Could the Mark of the Beast being on the forehead or right hand symbolize something that dominates the mind or actions of those who submit to it instead of a literal mark on the body as many assume?

Q&A question: Mark of the Beast: Literal or Symbolic?

submission in marriage
Mike Winger idea 2024-05-31

Translation Discrepancies?: Mark 1: 41 in the NIV says Jesus was indignant, but other translations don't. What’s up with that?

Q&A question: Translation Discrepancies?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2024-07-05

Healing = the Children’s Bread?: "Healing is the children's bread" is taught by a pastor friend when he prays for the sick. He uses Mark 7: 24-30 as the proof text. What is the “bread” in v. 27?

Q&A question: Healing = the Children’s Bread?

pastoral ministry healing
Mike Winger idea 2024-08-16

Was Jesus Silent?: In Mark and Matthew, Jesus remains silent which amazes Pilate, but in John, He delivers explanations. What are your thoughts on this subject, and how would you handle it when presented?

Q&A question: Was Jesus Silent?

Matthew Jesus Matthew Pilate