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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 2020-10-19

Christians should pay taxes even to corrupt governments that use money for immoral purposes — Jesus said to pay taxes to Rome, which would use that money to crucify him. Romans 13:1-7 teaches we OWE government obedience, taxes, fear, and honor.

Biblical teaching on taxes, submission to government, and Romans 13

Romans 13:1-7 Matthew 5:41 submission to government Romans 13:1-7 Matthew 5:41
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

Critical Race Theory is a discipline within critical social theory (rooted in Marx). It emerged from critical legal studies in the 1980s. The overarching worldview: society is defined by dominant group vs. oppressed group, and the goal is dismantling oppressive systems.

What is Critical Theory and Critical Race Theory — definitions and origins

critical theory intersectionality Kimberlé Crenshaw
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

The death penalty is clearly supported by Scripture. Genesis 9:5-6 — given to ALL humanity (not just Israel) — establishes capital punishment for murder based on the image of God: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed."

The foundational biblical case for the death penalty from Genesis 9

Genesis 9:5-6 image of God image of God capital punishment
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

Deuteronomy 19:11-13 shows the death penalty must be enacted even over compassion — "your eyes shall not pity him" — and failing to punish murderers spreads their guilt onto the entire community.

OT law reinforcing the death penalty with protections and communal guilt

Deuteronomy 19:11-13 Numbers 35:30-31 death penalty Deuteronomy 19:11-13 Numbers 35:30-31
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

Objections answered: (1) Jesus's "turn the other cheek" refutes personal vengeance, not governmental justice; (2) David's pardon is a divine exception, not a rule; (3) John 8 (woman in adultery) was a mob, not a court — and the passage is textually questionable.

Responding to objections against the death penalty

John 8 woman adultery Matthew 5 eye for eye death penalty John 8 woman adultery Matthew 5 eye for eye
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 2021-05-14

Psalm 51:16-17 ("God does not delight in sacrifice") is situational to David after murdering Uriah — he can't just offer a bull and fix things. The only thing he can offer is a broken spirit. It's not a blanket rejection of the sacrificial system.

Q6: Does Psalm 51 mean God doesn't want sacrifices?

Psalm 51 David repentance Brian Zahnd
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

1 John 3:4 ("sin is lawlessness") doesn't mean Christians must keep the Mosaic Law — "lawlessness" means rebellion against God's moral authority, not specifically violating Torah commands. The New Testament redefines how we relate to God's moral standards.

Q19: Does 1 John 3:4 mean the Law of Moses still applies?

1 John 3:4 1 John 3 Moses 1 John 3:4 1 John 3
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Witnessing to Mormon Family Members: I'm a Christian who is married to a non-practicing Mormon who still bases his beliefs on LDS doctrine. I think I want to go into apologetics (largely inspired by you), but I don't think my husband will approve. I also feel called to evangelize my Mormon in-laws, but I struggle to get past their feelings-based testimony and their beliefs about who Jesus is and salvation. Any advice on my apologetic aspirations in my specific circumstances, and on the best way to surmount these LDS hurdles?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Mormon Family Members

marriage Jesus salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About Freedom from the Law: When Paul says we're saved by grace apart from the works of the law, is he referring only to the Law of Moses, or the moral law, as well?

Q&A question: About Freedom from the Law

Moses
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

Church Leader Living in Sin? Letter vs. Spirit: I am a young adult, still living in my parents' home. My father is the pastor of our small church. One of my siblings has leadership roles, but is living in sin (cohabitation). My father has talked with him, but hasn't taken any biblical action to remove him from leadership or from church. The elders don't see a need to do anything either. What should I do? (I'm the youngest and a daughter.) I was told I was taking the letter of the law instead of the spirit of the law.

Q&A question: Church Leader Living in Sin? Letter vs. Spirit

elder qualifications church leadership pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

Were Jesus’ Disciples Married?: Were Christ’s disciples married / did they have families? I believe there is a reference to Peter’s in-law, but I find it to be an interesting question. What would it be like for them? How would that fit with what the Lord tells us about the role of a husband/father? The love for God trumps all, so did that override their responsibilities as a husband/father?

Q&A question: Were Jesus’ Disciples Married?

Peter marriage Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

Biblical Wisdom for a Tough Family Situation: My mother-in-law is in a gay marriage. My wife has shared the Gospel with her, but she rejects it. Lord willing, we'd like to have kids. Should there be boundaries between the kid/grandma relationship?

Q&A question: Biblical Wisdom for a Tough Family Situation

marriage homosexuality
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

About the OT Law & Sacrifices vs. Faith: Why was the old covenant law set up to require animal sacrifice, since we see Abraham was atoned for by his faith in the promise to come of what was Jesus (dimly perceived)?

Q&A question: About the OT Law & Sacrifices vs. Faith

Abraham Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Is it Wrong to Visit an Unbiblical Church?: Is it wrong to attend a “prosperity gospel” church with our in-laws when we visit them?

Q&A question: Is it Wrong to Visit an Unbiblical Church?

prosperity gospel
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-17

Advice for a Difficult Church Situation: My daughter and her father-in-law visited the church I attend. They brought my 3 month old Grandson who was making loud sounds. One of the attendants asked them to leave. Now I have mixed feelings about this church. Should I continue to attend?

Q&A question: Advice for a Difficult Church Situation

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

How is the Bible Perfect, Written by Humans?: According to Scripture, all humans are flawed. There are no examples of humans being perfect, apart from Christ. Therefore, how can anyone deem the Bible 100% perfect when its authors were imperfect?

Q&A question: How is the Bible Perfect, Written by Humans?

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Did Jesus Come to Abolish the Law?: Why does Paul say in Ephesians 2: 15 “…by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances…” when Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law in Matthew 5: 17?

Q&A question: Did Jesus Come to Abolish the Law?

Matthew 5 Matthew Ephesians 2 Jesus Matthew 5 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

“Being the Light” in Difficult Situations: As a new believer, I feel I won’t be able to go to my sister-in-law’s house again because they smoke weed at every gathering. How do I find balance between being the light & not being in certain situations?

Q&A question: “Being the Light” in Difficult Situations

Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

About the Law, Works, & Salvation: I've watched both of your videos on the Old Testament law. I get that we don't need to keep the law, as we are now under grace, so how do I understand 1 Corinthians 6:9 which says adulterers won't inherit the Kingdom?

Q&A question: About the Law, Works, & Salvation

1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6:9 salvation 1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 6:9
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-01

About 1 Cor. 5 & Banning Abortion: Does 1 Corinthians 5: 12-13 mean we shouldn't pass laws to ban abortion for "outsiders"?

Q&A question: About 1 Cor. 5 & Banning Abortion

1 Corinthians 5 1 Corinthians 5 abortion
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-20

About the Witness in John 8: In John 8: 13-19, Jesus testifies that the Father is His witness. Given the emphasis on 2 witnesses in the Law, why did He not mention the Holy Spirit in this point? The absence is conspicuous.

Q&A question: About the Witness in John 8

John 8 Jesus John 8
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Is it Helpful to Offer “Thoughts & Prayers”?: Following a tragedy, people will often say, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected,” which is often followed by angry or mocking non-believer comments such as, “Your prayers clearly aren’t working. Do something that will actually help like changing the laws.” What are some proper, biblical ways to respond to that sort of position?

Q&A question: Is it Helpful to Offer “Thoughts & Prayers”?

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Are Anti-Abortion Laws Biblical?: Is it biblical to make abortion unavailable to others by law? Or is it better to support organizations like Mom's House who help single moms with having a baby?

Q&A question: Are Anti-Abortion Laws Biblical?

abortion
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

Should Immoral Things Be Illegal?: Should biblically immoral mean illegal? Surely if sin harms the community, then all legal sin harms society and should be against the law.

Q&A question: Should Immoral Things Be Illegal?

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

Did Jesus Come to Abolish the Law?: Does Ephesians 2: 15 contradict Matthew 5: 17? In Matthew, Jesus says that He did not come to abolish the law, but it looks like Paul in Ephesians says the opposite.

Q&A question: Did Jesus Come to Abolish the Law?

Matthew 5 Matthew Ephesians 2 Jesus Matthew 5 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

About Gun Laws, Usage, & Violence: Which bible passages do you think should shape how we think about gun laws, gun violence, gun usage etc? Are there any passages that are misused in this debate?

Q&A question: About Gun Laws, Usage, & Violence

Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Are the Ceremonial Laws Gone?: Where do we see in Scripture that the old ceremonial laws are gone?

Q&A question: Are the Ceremonial Laws Gone?

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

About Moral, Civil & Ceremonial Laws: Why do we differentiate between moral, ceremonial, and civil law? Meaning, who decided the moral law was to be continued but not the other two types?

Q&A question: About Moral, Civil & Ceremonial Laws

Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Christ’s Law vs. the Moral Law: What is Christ’s law, and how is it different from the 10 commandments which many argue is the moral law we are to keep to this day?

Q&A question: Christ’s Law vs. the Moral Law

Mike Winger idea 2022-12-16

Was Jesus’ Analogy Flawed?: Someone's response to Matthew 5: 13 was “How can salt lose its saltiness? If it wasn’t salty, it wouldn't be salt.” I understand what Jesus is saying here, but does this mean Jesus’ analogy was flawed?

Q&A question: Was Jesus’ Analogy Flawed?

Matthew 5 Matthew Jesus Matthew 5 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2023-02-17

About the Septuagint & Masoretic Text: Is the Greek LXX (Septuagint) considered a flawed copy? The genealogy of Shem adds hundreds of years which is quite significant. Is the Masoretic Text inerrant, or am I misunderstanding inerrancy?

Q&A question: About the Septuagint & Masoretic Text

biblical inerrancy
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-23

The Law of Agency: How do you respond to non-trinitarians who use the "Law of Agency" to dismiss the scriptural evidence for the Trinity in regard to Jesus, etc. claiming He is not God, but simply God's agent?

Q&A question: The Law of Agency

Trinity Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-07

Casting Out = Abolishing?: How do you reconcile Galatians 4: 28-31 with Jesus saying He didn’t come to abolish the Law? Casting them out kind of seems like abolishing.

Q&A question: Casting Out = Abolishing?

Galatians 4 Galatians 4 Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-07

Healing: By Faith or By God?: In Luke 8: 43-48, Jesus says, “Your faith has made you well.” He didn’t say God did it, but her faith. How is this different than the Law of Attraction as told by New Agers?

Q&A question: Healing: By Faith or By God?

Luke 8 Jesus Luke 8 healing
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-15

Is the Hypostatic Union Illogical?: How can Christ truly be God and man at the same time, infringing upon the laws of logic? If it’s true, I know I can't understand it fully, but I do expect to be able to demonstrate how it isn't illogical.

Q&A question: Is the Hypostatic Union Illogical?

demons
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-15

Exploring the Different Words for God’s Law: Every verse in Psalm 119 refers to God's Law, and ten different words are used, including: commandments, precepts, law, testimonies, ways, etc. Why? Does each word have a different meaning?

Q&A question: Exploring the Different Words for God’s Law

Psalm 119 Psalm 119
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-29

Share Our Burdens?: Galatians 6:2 says to carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ, but verse 5 says that each person should carry their own load. Should we share our burdens or carry our own?

Q&A question: Share Our Burdens?

Galatians 6:2 Galatians 6 Galatians 6:2 Galatians 6
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-29

Laws, Islam & Executing Apostates: Looking at Deuteronomy 13:6-10, is the apostasy law similar to Muslims? And is it inherently immoral for an apostate to be put to death because of their beliefs, according to the Old Testament?

Q&A question: Laws, Islam & Executing Apostates

Islam apostasy
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-16

Didn’t the Israelites Have Meat to Eat?: If the Israelites had flocks and herds, why did they complain that they had no meat? They didn't have the Law of Moses yet on what not to eat.

Q&A question: Didn’t the Israelites Have Meat to Eat?

Moses
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-29

Repentant but Still Rejected: I was rejected by my church because of my behavior, PTSD & my mouth. They didn’t excommunicate me but stopped talking to me/started ignoring me. I’ve repented, apologized, and begged but they still ignore me. It has left me feeling flawed & unloved. What would Scripture tell me about my situation?

Q&A question: Repentant but Still Rejected

repentance
Mike Winger idea 2024-11-08

Why Didn’t God Forbid Polygamy?: If verses like Exodus 21: 10 aren't supporting polygamy but protecting women in a bad situation, why didn't God just outlaw polygamy outright? I agree with you, but don't know how to counter this argument.

Q&A question: Why Didn’t God Forbid Polygamy?

Exodus 21 Exodus 21
Mike Winger idea 2025-02-14

David’s Story: Exempting Accountability?: How should we respond to people who use the story of David and other flawed biblical figures, whom God still used, to justify their own sinful behavior, especially when in positions of power?

Q&A question: David’s Story: Exempting Accountability?

David
Mike Winger idea 2025-02-14

Reuel vs. Jethro: Contradiction?: Is there an explanation for why Moses’ father-in-law appears to have two different names (Exodus 2: 18 (Reuel) & Exodus 18:2 (Jethro))?

Q&A question: Reuel vs. Jethro: Contradiction?

Moses
Mike Winger idea 2025-03-21

Circumcision: How would Paul Respond?: In Galatians 3, Paul says faith, not law, saves us, citing Abraham’s heirs (Galatians 3:7, 28-29). How would he respond to Judaizers citing Genesis 17:9-14 on circumcision as necessary? Why doesn’t this apply now?

Q&A question: Circumcision: How would Paul Respond?

Genesis Galatians 3 Abraham Genesis Galatians 3
Mike Winger idea 2025-08-08

Hats: Disrespectful or Stylish?: My mother-in-law is "old-fashioned." What's your opinion about wearing hats in church? How about pastors preaching in them?

Q&A question: Hats: Disrespectful or Stylish?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2025-09-05

Sin Before The Law: In Romans 5: 13, what does it mean that sin was not counted against those before Moses gave the law? Did all those people receive eternal salvation?

Q&A question: Sin Before The Law

Romans 5 Moses Romans 5 salvation
Mike Winger idea 2025-10-10

Dietary Laws: Fulfilled?: How did Jesus fulfill the dietary laws? I’m considering Jesus grafting in Gentiles into the faith to be the fulfillment of that (Matthew 5: 17, Acts 10:9-15).

Q&A question: Dietary Laws: Fulfilled?

Acts 10 Matthew 5 Matthew Acts 10 Jesus Matthew 5