Q: Evidence for the virgin birth? Not as strong as resurrection evidence, but that's okay — not every doctrine needs the same burden of proof. Mike believes it because Scripture teaches it. The argument chain: resurrection → inspiration of Scripture → virgin birth. The central claim (resurrection) carries the secondary claims.

Q&A — evidence for the virgin birth

Q: What powers do demons have? From Scripture: possession (even multiple demons), controlling actions, causing insanity (Mark 5), influencing thoughts (Satan put it in Judas's heart to betray Jesus — before possession), inspiring false doctrines ("doctrines of demons"), receiving worship through false religions and idol worship.

Q&A — demonic powers and abilities

Q: Is the Book of Mormon right? No. It lacks theology (just a long story), but fails on historical/archaeological claims: horses in pre-Columbian Americas, weapons and materials that didn't exist, no verifiable rivers/mountains/civilizations. Not a single Book of Mormon claim has been archaeologically confirmed, unlike the Bible.

Q&A — Book of Mormon

Romans 5:12-21 and sin nature: Mike disagrees with the Augustinian doctrine that we inherit guilt from Adam's sin. Augustine was influenced by a mistranslation in the Latin Vulgate ("in whom all sinned" vs "because all sinned"). Romans 5:14 says some "had not sinned according to the likeness of Adam's transgression" — challenging the idea that we literally sinned in Adam. Mike's view: we inherit sinful inclination (sin nature) but not personal guilt until we individually sin. Babies have no actual guilt.

Sin nature — inclination vs inherited guilt (Romans 5)

Mike affirms the rapture doctrine from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 as plain biblical teaching. The Greek harpazo ("caught up") → Latin rapturus → English "rapture." He's unsettled on pre/mid/post-trib timing but firmly believes in the event itself. Holds a futurist view of Revelation — future events not yet fulfilled.

Rapture — affirmed, timing unsettled

The Sanhedrin's three authority claims (succession from Moses, Moses's seat, oral tradition) are structurally identical to the Catholic magisterium's claims (apostolic succession, chair of Peter, sacred tradition).

Detailed parallel between Sanhedrin and Roman Catholic authority claims

Penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) is under attack by influential figures who call it "cosmic child abuse" and "pagan." Isaiah 53 is the key passage they avoid. Winger builds the case that Isaiah 53 clearly teaches PSA.

Introduction to the penal substitutionary atonement series focusing on Isaiah 53

Conclusion: Isaiah 53 clearly teaches that Christ suffered in our place as a sacrifice bearing our sin, bringing atonement so we receive his righteousness. Those who call PSA wicked are confused by caricatures — if the doctrine is so bad, why must they misstate it to argue against it?

Summary and Q&A on penal substitutionary atonement

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

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

Are man-made Covenants Biblical?: Are man-made covenants for pastoral ordination biblical (specifically, covenants binding oneself to denominational doctrines and principles)? The Salvation Army requires this for their pastors.

Q&A question: Are man-made Covenants Biblical?

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

About Orthodox Beliefs: What do Orthodox Christians believe vs. Protestants? Is their doctrine as problematic as Catholic doctrine? (I heard Hank Hanegraaf converted to it.)

Q&A question: About Orthodox Beliefs

About the Doctrine of Preservation: Does Matthew 5: 18 teach the doctrine of preservation? What are your thoughts on this doctrine?

Q&A question: About the Doctrine of Preservation

Defending the Trinity in 1 Cor.: I believe in the Trinity, but there is someone who has used 1 Corinthians 15:28 against the doctrine. Could you please explain this for me?

Q&A question: Defending the Trinity in 1 Cor.

About the “Doctrines of Demons”: Can you give more examples about the “doctrines of demons” mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1?

Q&A question: About the “Doctrines of Demons”

About Denominations: Do you think denominations are a “concession” from God in that He knew we would disagree on doctrine, or is it more like differing members of the body reaching different people in different ways?

Q&A question: About Denominations

Protecting Children from Bad Teaching: My Hubby was raised Mormon. He still believes it all but isn't active. His family takes my son to church if he stays with them & they've started teaching him LDS doctrine. I want to not let him go anymore w/out hurting them. Advice?

Q&A question: Protecting Children from Bad Teaching

Can Megachurches be Effective?: From a biblical and practical standpoint, is there a maximum number of people that can or should make up a local church? Assuming their doctrine is biblical, can a megachurch with multiple satellite sites or campuses be an effective church?

Q&A question: Can Megachurches be Effective?

Why Didn’t God Rewrite Difficult Passages?: Can you explain the Holy Spirit Inspiration Doctrine? I struggle with understanding why God did not rewrite controversial Bible passages. I know I am only a man, and I seek to understand.

Q&A question: Why Didn’t God Rewrite Difficult Passages?

About the Trinity / Divine Simplicity: Isn't it problematic to affirm the Trinity while rejecting the metaphysical hermeneutic that was used to articulate/defend the doctrine (e.g., divine simplicity) in the early centuries?

Q&A question: About the Trinity / Divine Simplicity

About the “Serpent Seed” Doctrine: What are your thoughts about the “Serpent Seed Doctrine” which states that the serpent mated with Eve in the Garden of Eden as the first sin, and that the offspring of their union was Cain?

Q&A question: About the “Serpent Seed” Doctrine

Is Modalism Heresy?: Why is modalism considered such heresy? I think it’s incorrect, but many people question the very salvation of those who hold to this doctrine. How vital to salvation is the correct understanding of the Trinity?

Q&A question: Is Modalism Heresy?

Is the Trinity Clearly Taught in the OT?: Is there a reason why a doctrine as important as the Trinity isn't EXPLICITLY declared in the Old Testament, especially the Torah, seeing as belief in the second person is paramount for salvation?

Q&A question: Is the Trinity Clearly Taught in the OT?

Does Infant Salvation Conflict w/Original Sin?: How can we believe in the doctrine of Original Sin and also believe that if a child dies they go to Heaven? Inheriting Original Sin from Adam makes every child that dies unredeemed.

Q&A question: Does Infant Salvation Conflict w/Original Sin?

About the Doctrine of Election: How do you interpret 2 Thessalonians 2: 13 in light of the debate on the doctrine of election?

Q&A question: About the Doctrine of Election

How to Distinguish Core Doctrines: How do I know what things are a “salvation issue” that I have to be right about, and what things are more open to interpretation that if I am wrong about my salvation will not be affected?

Q&A question: How to Distinguish Core Doctrines

How Deep in Theology to go while Evangelizing: How much of the doctrine of the Trinity do we need to explain while sharing the Gospel (especially when it comes to the hypostatic union)?

Q&A question: How Deep in Theology to go while Evangelizing

About the “Church of Christ”: Do you have any insight on Church of Christ doctrine? I have a friend I'm planning to open a dialogue with who is in the Church of Christ. I see works based salvation emphasized, but need help.

Q&A question: About the “Church of Christ”

Warnings about False Teachings: Do warnings to Churches and believers in verses such as Jude 1:3-4 or other Epistles regarding false/heretical doctrines apply to Mormons who want a relationship with God/Jesus but are just deceived?

Q&A question: Warnings about False Teachings

Stumbled by Theological Doctrines?: The different theologies like cessationism & continuationism can be a stumbling block for unbelievers and cause confusion. How can this be explained to them?

Q&A question: Stumbled by Theological Doctrines?

1 Jn. 2:2 & Limited Atonement: Doesn't 1 John 2:2 blow the Calvinist doctrine of Limited Atonement straight out of the water?

Q&A question: 1 Jn. 2:2 & Limited Atonement

Do Heavenly Rewards Support LDS Doctrine?: Every time you answer a question about rewards in Heaven, I can't help but think of the LDS levels of Heaven. How do I debate with them when they use rewards as the basis for their belief about there being different levels of Heaven?

Q&A question: Do Heavenly Rewards Support LDS Doctrine?

Is a Lack of Structure & Liturgy Problematic?: What do you think about tradition and church liturgy? Is it not a problem that contemporary churches lack beauty and tradition in their doctrine?

Q&A question: Is a Lack of Structure & Liturgy Problematic?

The Doctrine of Inspiration: What evidence and encouragement can you offer a believer who is struggling to trust the doctrine of inspiration? I know that it’s true, but I struggle with doubt.

Q&A question: The Doctrine of Inspiration

Deliverance & the “Spirit of Jezebel”: How do we lovingly correct someone who believes the deliverance ministry doctrine (people saying they have a “spirit of Jezebel” that needs to be prayed away)?

Q&A question: Deliverance & the “Spirit of Jezebel”

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

Should we Infer Doctrine from Scripture?: Is it wrong to base doctrine on inference? Is it ever legitimate? E.g., the context of Hebrews 12:1 says nothing about saints watching us from Heaven, but some say it’s implied by the word “witnesses.”

Q&A question: Should we Infer Doctrine from Scripture?

Too Much Theology & Doctrine?: My pastor says that theology is “just someone’s opinion” and that “we shouldn’t get hooked on theology and doctrine.” How would you respond?

Q&A question: Too Much Theology & Doctrine?

Winger rejects the 'covering' argument that a senior male pastor can authorize female elders/pastors under his headship. A husband is the head of his wife — an elder is NOT the head of other elders. 1 Timothy 2 says 'I don't allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man,' period — not 'without a male head.'

Q&A: advice for a member of a church with a male lead elder pastoring alongside ordained female elders who often teach on Sundays.

Applying PSA on Earth?: If the doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement is just, would it be just for an earthly judge to impute the guilt of a murderer to an innocent volunteer and sentence the volunteer to death instead of the murderer? If not, why?

Q&A question: Applying PSA on Earth?

Modalism & Oneness – Truly Saved?: Are people who believe in Modalism or Oneness doctrines truly saved? Should I allow my kids to participate in events at churches that believe in Modalism?

Q&A question: Modalism & Oneness – Truly Saved?

Is Calvinism Heresy?: Why isn’t Calvinism more strongly condemned among non-Calvinists? The doctrine essentially teaches that God will punish people for something completely out of their control, which makes God seem unjust.

Q&A question: Is Calvinism Heresy?

The Doctrine of Impassability: Can you help me understand the doctrine of impassability a little bit better? It's confusing for me, and I'm not sure how to relate to the Lord and bring Him my pain, knowing this doctrine.

Q&A question: The Doctrine of Impassability

PSA – Contradicting Proverbs?: If Penal Substitutionary Atonement is an accurate doctrine, then isn't it contradicting Proverbs 17: 15?

Q&A question: PSA – Contradicting Proverbs?

Questioning our Pastors?: My pastor said that since God called him to shepherd, unless he is teaching false doctrine, you don't question your pastor even if you don't agree with something or they do something wrong. Is this right?

Q&A question: Questioning our Pastors?

Are You Reformed?: I think you've said that you consider yourself Reformed, and I wondered what you mean by that. What Reformed doctrines do you accept besides the ones that constitute basic orthodoxy?

Q&A question: Are You Reformed?

PSA + Crucified WITH Christ?: How does the doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement harmonize with us being “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2: 20, Romans 6:5-6)? The substitution element seems to be missing, and wrath seems confusing if we are to affirm crucifixion with Christ.

Q&A question: PSA + Crucified WITH Christ?

The Divine Seed Doctrine?: Have you heard of the “Divine Seed” Doctrine that states that Christ was born solely of the seed of God and not from the egg of Mary and that His flesh was a kind of divine flesh?

Q&A question: The Divine Seed Doctrine?

The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit