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All (741) Scripture Commentary (212) Theology (214) Mike Winger (312) Pulpit (3)
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-29

1 Corinthians 15:3-8: the apostles argued historically for the resurrection by listing eyewitnesses

NT case study showing apostles using evidential showing to establish what they already knew

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 eyewitness testimony knowing vs. showing
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-29

Moses is likely the primary author of the Pentateuch, though later editorial work under inspiration is possible

Q&A: Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch

Deuteronomy Deuteronomy biblical inspiration Mosaic authorship
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-29

Closing exhortation: trust the Spirit's witness for your own confidence; use evidence to invite others to seek the Lord

Summary and call to application, including a direct appeal to non-believing viewers

evangelism apologetics knowing vs. showing
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-28

Praying to the dead is forbidden — the 1 Samuel 28 (Saul/Samuel) incident is a divine rebuke, not a model; this applies to Catholic prayers to saints

Question from Elizabeth about 1 Samuel 28 (Saul consulting the medium to contact Samuel) and Catholic prayers to Mary and saints.

1 Samuel 28 1 Thessalonians 4 Mary Roman Catholicism Samuel
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-04

God gives wisdom primarily through Scripture, secondarily through the word of wisdom gift and through other believers

Q from Will Kozab about how God replies when you ask him for wisdom—does he send thoughts?

Proverbs 1 Corinthians 12 word of wisdom wisdom prayer
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-04

Michael Heiser: highly commended as a scholar-communicator; divine council theory (Deut 32, Ps 82) personally rejected but engagement required

Q from David Hinnebog asking for comment on Michael Heiser and his divine council theory.

1 Samuel 28 Deuteronomy 32 Psalm 82 Michael Heiser monotheism 1 Samuel 28
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-18

Apparitions of Mary at Fatima — three interpretive options; not sufficient to validate Catholic Marian dogmas

Question from Cody Skinner about Catholic apparitions at Fatima and messages to the shepherd children.

2 Thessalonians 2:9 apologetics miracles Catholicism
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-25

Summary: the three Acts tongues episodes demonstrate the Spirit's work in different stages, not universal salvation proof

Summation of the main argument against tongues-required-for-salvation

Acts 10 Acts 2 Acts 19 Acts 10 Acts 2 Acts 19
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-25

Knowing the Holy Spirit: the Spirit's leading will always be consistent with Scripture

Q&A from Tia Jane about having a relationship with the Holy Spirit beyond gifts

discernment Holy Spirit leading of the Spirit
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-25

Fasting's primary purpose is denying the flesh and gaining mastery over physical desires, not achieving spiritual mountaintop experiences

Correcting a common misunderstanding about fasting

spiritual disciplines self-denial fasting
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-02

Malachi 3:8 is the most-cited pro-tithe verse but is addressed to the nation of Israel under the Mosaic law, not to Christians

Examining the primary Old Testament tithing passage used to support Christian tithing

Malachi 3:8 Malachi 3:10 hermeneutics tithing Malachi 3:8
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-02

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 is about sexual immorality in context, not primarily about diet/exercise/tobacco — but the moderation and mastery principles within the passage do apply broadly

Question from Grayson Fuller about whether 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 establishes a biblical basis for maintaining bodily health

1 Corinthians 6:12 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 sexual immorality 1 Corinthians 6:12 body as temple
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-09

2 Corinthians 5 — "absent from the body, present with the Lord" is a summary, not a direct quote

Mike addresses the commonly misquoted phrase from 2 Corinthians 5

2 Corinthians 5 soul sleep intermediate state 2 Corinthians 5
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-09

Mark's Gospel shifts eyewitness sources from Peter to named women when Peter departs

How the Gospel of Mark handles Peter's absence at the crucifixion and tomb

Mark Peter resurrection Gospel of Mark
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-09

Pastoral preparation — character and godliness are the primary qualifications

Question from Jared Garrity about preparing for pastoral ministry

1 Timothy Titus 1 Timothy elder qualifications Titus
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-17

Introduction to TULIP as a summary of Calvinist theology

Mike opens the Q&A by addressing a Facebook question from Paul Rem about the five points of Calvinism.

Calvinism R.C. Sproul TULIP
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-23

Martin Luther quote: lack of article is against Sabellianism; word order is against Arianism

Mike continues citing Wallace who himself references Luther's summary of John 1:1's grammar.

John 1:1 Trinity Martin Luther John 1:1
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-23

The Message Bible — not a legitimate translation; unfaithful to the original languages; should not be recommended

Question from Jonathan Edwards about recommending The Message Bible.

Bible translation biblical accuracy The Message Bible
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-30

Relativism about truth is a self-refuting claim — the claim that there is no objective truth is itself an objective truth claim

Mike's primary philosophical rebuttal to relativism.

relativism apologetics methodology Socratic method
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-06

If Mark 16:17-18 is original, signs accompanying believers does not mean every believer at all times

Mike gives a conditional interpretation of Mark 16:17-18 assuming its authenticity

Acts Mark 16:17-18 signs and wonders speaking in tongues Acts
Mike Winger idea 2018-09-26

Marian apparitions — unreliable; evaluated by bad fruit of Mary-worship

A viewer asks whether visions of the Virgin Mary are reliable.

Matthew 7:16 Mary Catholicism Marian apparitions
Mike Winger idea 2018-09-26

Nephilim in Genesis — Mike directs viewers to his 1 Peter Bible study for treatment

A viewer asks what Mike thinks about the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis.

1 Peter Genesis 6 1 Peter Genesis 6 Nephilim
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-11

For new Christians evaluating commentaries: trust your Bible more than commentators; blueletterbible.org is recommended as a generally reliable free resource.

Question from a new Christian about evaluating Bible teachers and commentaries

hermeneutics discernment commentaries
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

Conclusion on be-fruitful-and-multiply: It is a positive canopy mandate for all of humanity; culture has kicked against it by devaluing human life, and this infection has reached Christians.

Summary and transition out of first topic.

Be Fruitful and Multiply Dominion Mandate Human Value / Imago Dei
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

Bethel's primary export is false revival — fake gifts, prophecy, healings — mixed with genuine-sounding worship music that ranges from theologically neutral to theologically dangerous.

Mike's own view on Bethel, offered after establishing the meat-in-marketplace frame.

Bill Johnson Discernment / Heresy Worship Music and Discernment
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

Everything possible is theologically wrong with two-covenant theology (Jews saved by law, gentiles by Christ) — it is unloving to Jewish people because it withholds their own Savior from them.

Summary judgment on two-covenant soteriology.

Romans 1:16 — Jew First Galatians — Law as Condemner Jewish Salvation / Two-Covenant Theology Romans 1:16 — Jew First Galatians — Law as Condemner
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

Mike's own primary gift is teaching, not worship leading — he did worship leading for years out of necessity but recognized it was not his strongest gift; leaning into actual gifts maximizes ministry impact.

Personal illustration of the spiritual-gifts-discernment principle.

Spiritual Gifts Calling and Gifting Teaching Gift
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-01

Hebrews 11:4: Abel's sacrifice was better because it was offered by faith

Resolving the Cain/Abel question using Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11:4 faith worship sacrifice
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-01

Q8: Pastoral advice for engaging a friend who has pursued a gay lifestyle — understanding before fixing

Response to viewer whose Christian friend came out as gay

evangelism love and truth homosexuality
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

Prayer to Mary and the glorification of Mary in the rosary are the primary theological problems for an ex-Catholic

Question from Calm 23 — an ex-Catholic still doing the daily rosary, seeking a replacement devotional

Mary prayer Catholicism
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

John 16:13 has primary application to the apostles; broadly applying it to all Christians sets the bar for Spirit-guidance too low

Question from Rocketman Sean about the extent to which John 16:13 applies to Christians today

John 16:13 apostles Holy Spirit prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-15

The Bible's trajectory on slavery moves from regulating and humanizing it in the OT to full abolition ideology in the NT (Philemon)

Closing summary of the slavery question.

Philemon Paul Philemon Slavery in the New Testament
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-15

Bible translation taxonomy: word-for-word and thought-for-thought are both valuable; paraphrases (Amplified, The Message) are tools, not translations, and are misused when read as straight Bible

Bonus question from Constant (Australia) about the New Century Version, Amplified Bible, and Contemporary English Version.

ESV NASB NIV
Mike Winger idea 2018-10-31

Mike shares a trivia fact about Reformation Day (October 31), explaining that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to a church door as a culturally normal form of public announcement, not as an act of defacement.

Unprompted trivia shared by Mike about the Reformation anniversary

Martin Luther Catholic Church Reformation
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

First century as the ultimate spiritual battleground for all creation

Summary conclusion on demonic activity question: the first century was uniquely intense because it was the decisive battleground of salvation history.

Gerasene demoniac spiritual warfare salvation history
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Question: Is there anything Christians should fear apart from God?

Viewer Omar Barr asks whether there are legitimate objects of fear for Christians beyond fearing God.

Proverbs Christian ethics fear of God Proverbs
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Question: Is it okay to sit quietly and write down what you hear from God (journaling/listening prayer)?

Viewer Mackenzie McEwan asks about the practice of trying to hear God and writing down what comes.

spiritual disciplines confirmation bias listening prayer
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

The Message Bible is a very loose paraphrase — idiomatic, interpretive, and potentially misleading, but not heretical; inadvisable as a primary study Bible.

Question from Jeanette Perry about the Message Bible and Nicky Gumbel/Alpha.

Psalm 1 The Message Bible Eugene Peterson Paraphrase vs. translation
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Women serving as elders is not Winger's current biblical position, but he plans a thorough future research project before finalizing his view.

Question from Patience Kachidza about a mother-in-law ordained as an elder in a church.

Women in ministry Women as elders Church leadership
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

How to find God: Christianity's goal is not emotional comfort but truth and relationship; reading and praying without trusting Christ is insufficient.

Question from an anonymous person (username 'it's me') who found comfort in the New Age but confusion in Christianity after 5 months of reading and prayer.

Assurance of salvation New Age spirituality Conversion and faith
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-26

Non-negotiable Christian doctrines — essentials vs. secondary issues

DJ Diner asks what doctrines Christians should plant their flag on and never back down from.

Mormonism biblical inerrancy Trinity
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-05

A new believer should lovingly but firmly set sexual boundaries with a girlfriend, even at the risk of losing the relationship

Responding to a 3-month-old believer whose girlfriend is hesitant to abstain from sex

obedience sexual purity Christian relationships
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-05

Hebrews 12:1 — the cloud of witnesses is the inspiring example of their lives, not people watching from heaven; secular inspiring figures are fine but cannot be primary mentors

Responding to whether it is sinful to be inspired by historical people outside the Bible

Hebrews 11 Hebrews 12:1 Hebrews 11 inspiration Hebrews 12:1
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-05

The empty tomb was verifiable: women as witnesses (embarrassing to early church = authentic), the women are named (eyewitness identification per Bauckham), Roman guards monitored it

Responding to how anyone could be sure the right tomb was checked if Jesus was beaten unrecognizably

Mark's Gospel Matthew 27:62-66 Richard Bauckham resurrection apologetics
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-26

Satan in the Garden: God did not place Satan there; Satan's presence does not negate human free will responsibility for the Fall.

Brian Harper asks why a God who hates evil would place evil incarnate (Satan) in the Garden knowing it would lead to human corruption.

Genesis 3 Genesis 3 Satan free will
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Why was Zechariah punished for his question about John's birth, but Mary was not punished for asking the same type of question?

Question from Terry Defilo about Luke 1:18 (Zechariah) vs. Luke 1:34 (Mary) and the apparent inconsistency.

John the Baptist Luke 1:18 Luke 1:34 Mary John the Baptist Luke 1:18
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

The cross provides salvation benefits that are already secured but not yet fully experienced; eternal life is a present possession with a future fullness.

Q2 from Felicia: a previous video said some things are "provided on the cross but not fully finished" — isn't deliverance from the enemy's power finished per Colossians 1:13 and Acts 26:18?

Colossians 1:13 Acts 26:18 atonement eternal life the great exchange
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

Evangelism framed as "Red Rover" — the goal is transferring people from Satan's kingdom to God's kingdom, not destroying people.

Closing summary of Q2 on spiritual warfare and kingdom dynamics.

evangelism spiritual warfare kingdom of darkness
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Mary did not remain a perpetual virgin — Scripture clearly indicates she had other children with Joseph after Jesus

Q11 from Lovisa Bengtsen: Did Mary remain a virgin? Were the brothers of Jesus actually cousins? If she had other sons, why did John need to care for her?

James (brother of Jesus) John the Apostle John 19:26-27 James (brother of Jesus) John the Apostle brothers of Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Are individuals made by God? Yes — through both direct soul creation and divine foreknowledge/providential design

Q16 from Mary Strickland: How do I know I personally was made by God if I was conceived out of sin through ordinary biology?

Jeremiah 1:5 Jeremiah 1:5 foreknowledge divine providence