Search — Theology Explorer

gospel reliability geographic evidence Palestinian geography

Geographic knowledge in the gospels: the four gospel writers demonstrate detailed knowledge of Palestinian geography — small villages (Bethany, Bethphage, Chorazin), sub-village locations (Garden of Gethsemane = "oil press" on the Mount of Olives), topography ("went DOWN from Jerusalem to Jericho" — correct elevation change), and traveling times. This knowledge couldn't come from other ancient sources (Strabo, Pliny, Josephus don't have this level of detail). Only two explanations: the writers visited or spoke with eyewitnesses.

Geographic evidence — local knowledge test

Luke 19 (Zacchaeus) gospel reliability botanical evidence sycamore in Jericho

Botanical evidence: plants mentioned in the gospels match the specific micro-climates where stories are set. Sycamore tree in Jericho (Luke 19, Zacchaeus) — sycamores grow in Jericho's low-altitude tropical climate but not in Turkey, Greece, or Italy where the gospels were later circulated. Palm branches on the Mount of Olives, mint/rue tithed by Pharisees — all botanically correct for the region.

Botanical evidence — plants match locations

John James Blunt John 6 feeding 5000 Bethsaida undesigned coincidences Bethsaida

Undesigned coincidences: subtle agreements between independent gospel accounts that are too incidental to be deliberate. Example: John says Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread (John 6); only Luke says the feeding was near Bethsaida; only John says Philip and Andrew were from Bethsaida. The connection (Jesus asked the local guys) only appears when you combine the accounts — no single author engineered it.

Undesigned coincidences — cross-gospel subtle agreements

burden of proof Bart Ehrman Bart Ehrman

Gospel contradictions: Williams argues the burden of proof is on the person claiming two accounts CAN'T fit together, not on the believer to provide the exact harmonization. The Judas death example (Matthew: hanged; Acts: fell and burst open) — multiple scenarios fit both descriptions. Ancient reporting conventions (no quotation marks, different summarization styles, legal naming conventions) explain most alleged contradictions.

Gospel contradictions — burden of proof and Judas

divorce and remarriage BibleThinker ministry

Mike announces BibleThinker is now its own incorporated ministry organization, separate from his local church (while still attending). Also previews follow-up to his marriage/divorce/remarriage study — longest teaching he's ever done (3 hours), nearly 1,000 comments in one week.

Announcements — BibleThinker incorporation, divorce study

1 Peter 2:24 physical resurrection 1 Peter 2:24 healing in the atonement

1 Peter 2:24 ("by his wounds you have been healed") does refer to physical healing in Mike's view, but the TIMING is the issue. Many benefits of the cross aren't received now — we still die, still have corruptible bodies. Full physical healing comes in the resurrection. It's theologically inconsistent to demand healing for the common cold while accepting death from old age. The "healing in the atonement" teaching overreaches on timing, not content.

Healing in the atonement — timing issue

apologetics apologetics new believers

Advice for new believers encountering militant anti-theists: (1) Don't spend most of your time with them — get grounded in biblical truth first. (2) Many militant atheists repeatedly ask the same questions, get good answers, and ignore them — they want to stump, not learn. (3) If your good answers only generate more questions with no acknowledgment, you may be wasting your time. Focus on learning truth before combating error.

New believers and militant atheists

1 Corinthians 6:19 James 4:7 spiritual warfare spiritual warfare 1 Corinthians 6:19

Can a Christian be demon-possessed? Mike distinguishes possession from influence/oppression. Christians have the Holy Spirit indwelling them — demon possession (ownership/control) seems incompatible with the Spirit's presence. But Christians can be oppressed, influenced, and harassed by demons. The demoniac in Mark 5 was fully controlled; Christians may experience lesser forms of spiritual attack but not total possession.

Demon possession vs oppression in Christians

Follow-up to Mike's 200+ hours of research and 3-hour teaching on divorce and remarriage. He combed through 1,000+ comments and selected 29 issues to address — questions, pushback, and scenarios he hadn't covered.

Introduction — divorce/remarriage follow-up

divorce and remarriage

Jeremiah 3:13 Jeremiah 3:13 God divorced Israel Catholic annulment

Jeremiah 3 shows God divorced Israel — this disproves the Catholic position that divorce is ontologically impossible. But Mike's point is about divorce, NOT remarriage. God's response: reconciliation is offered but CONDITIONED on Israel's repentance (Jeremiah 3:13). God requires acknowledgment of guilt before restoration — not unconditional reunion.

Jeremiah 3 — God divorced Israel, conditional reconciliation

repentance repentance unjust divorce and remarriage

Can someone who unjustly divorced, repented, but whose ex has remarried, now marry someone else? Yes — the previous marriage is clearly over both legally and morally once the ex has remarried. The wrongly-divorcing party has repented. The alternatives (permanent singleness as unforgivable punishment, or pretending the marriage still exists) don't make biblical sense.

Unjust divorce + ex remarried = free to remarry after repentance

divorce and remarriage porneia pornography as grounds for divorce

Is pornography addiction grounds for divorce? Mike finds this intimidating given modern usage rates. His answer: pornography use IS sexual immorality (porneia), but not every instance should trigger divorce. Factors: scale, pattern, repentance, willingness to get help. A single failure vs an unrepentant lifestyle are very different situations. Mike recommends counseling before divorce in pornography cases.

Pornography as grounds for divorce — nuanced

World Mission Society Church of God Passion Translation World Mission Society Church of God

Mike shares major ministry update: BibleThinker is now its own incorporated ministry (no longer under his local church), reaching ~500,000 views/month. He's no longer on staff as a local pastor but still teaches weekly. Passion Translation scholarly project delayed by COVID — scholars have submitted papers but in-person interviews are on hold.

Announcements — BibleThinker incorporation, Passion Translation update

biblical theology systematic theology method biblical theology

How to do systematic theology: (1) Gather every passage related to a topic. (2) Interpret each passage in its own context. (3) Draw principles/conclusions from each passage. (4) Check that no principles conflict with each other or with any passage. (5) Build the framework from the conclusions, not from a pre-loaded logical structure. Mike front-loads passages, not presuppositions — biblical theology approach over dogmatic theology.

Method for systematic theology

1 John 3:9 1 John 1:8-10 sinless perfection 1 John 3:9 1 John 1:8-10

1 John 3:9 ("whoever is born of God does not sin") doesn't mean Christians never sin. 1 John 1:8-10 in the SAME letter says "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves" and "if we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive." The Greek tense in 3:9 indicates ongoing habitual practice, not individual acts. A Christian won't be characterized by a lifestyle of sin, but will still fail and need forgiveness.

1 John 3:9 — sinless perfection refuted

Calvinism free will Calvinism

Calvinism and free will: Mike isn't a Calvinist. He believes in genuine human free will while also affirming God's sovereignty. The key issue: does God determine every single human decision (Calvinist compatibilism) or do humans have genuine libertarian choice? Mike believes libertarian free will better fits Scripture and makes better sense of God's commands, judgments, and the problem of evil.

Calvinism and free will — Mike's position

Matthew 16:17-23 Mark 9:31 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 Semiticisms Matthew 16:17-23 Mark 9:31

Argument 1 — Jesus's death predictions are very early: (a) Matthew 16:17-23 contains Semiticisms ("son of Jonah," "flesh and blood," "Hades") pointing to Aramaic origins, not later Greek tradition. (b) Mark 9:31 has a paronomasia (pun) in Aramaic: "son of man handed into the hands of men." (c) 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (Last Supper) is written before the Gospels. (d) Paul distinguishes Jesus's commands from his own (1 Cor 7) — proving he doesn't invent words of Jesus.

Argument 1 — earliness of predictions

Mike Licona multiple attestation Mike Licona

Argument 2 — Multiple attestation: Mike Licona found 19+ passages across Mark, M (Matthew-only), L (Luke-only), and John independently attesting Jesus's death/resurrection predictions. Historians consider TWO independent sources "pay dirt" — this has far more. Jesus's prayer in Gethsemane (knowing he'll die) is in Mark 14, Matthew 26, and Luke 22 independently.

Argument 2 — multiple independent attestation

Mark 8:33 criterion of embarrassment Mark 8:33 Peter called Satan

Argument 3 — Criterion of embarrassment: Jesus's predictions include embarrassing elements the early church wouldn't invent. (a) Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting his death — then Jesus calls Peter "Satan" (Mark 8:33). The leader of the church being called Satan is not something the church would fabricate. (b) Disciples repeatedly fail to understand Jesus's predictions — they argue about who's greatest right after. The church wouldn't invent their founders' incompetence.

Argument 3 — criterion of embarrassment

Mark 10:32-34 Mark 10:45 Suffering Servant substitutionary atonement progressive Christianity

Theological insight from the predictions: Jesus saw his death as purposeful sacrifice, not tragedy. He predicted specifics: delivered to chief priests, condemned, handed to Gentiles, mocked, spit on, scourged, killed — and rise three days later. Progressive Christians who reject substitutionary atonement must explain why Jesus described his death as sacrificial and purposeful in his own words. The predictions show Jesus understood himself as Isaiah's Suffering Servant.

Theological insight — purposeful sacrifice, not tragic death

Mike Winger idea 2020-08-14

Mike discusses the American Gospel documentary films. Both are valuable against prosperity gospel and progressive distortions, but both have a strong Calvinist slant — especially the second film. Mike (a non-Calvinist) was included in film 2 to round things out but was surprised by how strongly Calvinistic it came across.

American Gospel films — valuable but Calvinistic

Calvinism Calvinism American Gospel film

Mike Winger idea 2020-08-14

On Steven Furtick: Mike has seen a handful of his messages, finds his preaching style reckless with Scripture. Concerned about the level of allegiance/submission required around him — sounds like pastoral abuse from what he's heard. Furtick doesn't deal carefully with Scripture in context, prioritizing encouragement over accuracy. Similar critique to Joel Osteen.

Steven Furtick critique — reckless with Scripture

Steven Furtick Elevation Church pastoral abuse

Mike Winger idea 2020-08-18

Mark 10:42-45 — Jesus's leadership model: "You know that those recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them... but it is not this way among you." The greatest must be servant; the first must be slave of all. Pastoral abuse happens when leaders adopt CEO mentality — protecting their vision, reputation, and authority instead of serving. Signs: demanding allegiance to the leader rather than to Christ, silencing criticism, creating distance/hierarchy, using authority for personal benefit.

Pastoral abuse — CEO vs servant leadership

Mark 10:42-44 pastoral abuse CEO mentality in ministry Mark 10:42-44

Mike Winger idea 2020-08-18

Hope for abusive pastors: the disciples who asked for thrones became the greatest servants in church history. James was the first apostle martyred; John served faithfully into old age. Jesus didn't disqualify them for their worldly ambitions — he corrected them and they changed. The same transformation is available today. But it requires: (1) honest self-examination, (2) willingness to be corrected, (3) choosing service over authority.

Hope for transformation — disciples changed

James and John request Acts 12 (James martyred) James and John request pastoral transformation Acts 12 (James martyred)

Mark 16:9-20 Mark 16:17-18 Acts 28 (Paul and viper) textual criticism textual criticism Mark 16:9-20

Mark 16:17-18 (signs accompanying believers) — Mike thinks the last 12 verses of Mark are likely not original (earliest manuscripts lack them). Even if original: (1) the signs may apply to SOME believers, not ALL; (2) picking up serpents refers to unintentional encounters (like Paul in Acts 28), not deliberate snake handling; (3) Jesus said "do not put the Lord your God to the test"; (4) if healing applies to all, every Christian should be in hospitals — but nobody does this, revealing inconsistency.

Mark 16:17-18 — signs and snake handling

Advice for a new missionary to Japan: (1) Don't go alone — attach yourself to other believers and protect those relationships; Satan will target them. (2) Long-term missions requires patience — it's years of investment, not quick results. (3) Your impact ripples through generations even if it feels small. The lives you change will change other lives for decades.

Missionary advice — Japan

long-term missions

1 Corinthians 11 head coverings 1 Corinthians 11 head coverings

Head coverings (1 Corinthians 11): Mike is inclined to say no but admits he can't fully justify that position yet. It's on his list for a 30-40 hour deep study with scholarly literature and commentaries. He's honest about the limits of his current understanding.

Head coverings — unsettled, needs more study

Romans 14 Romans 14 Romans 14 Romans 14 entertainment ethics

Biblical view of entertainment: Laughter is good (Proverbs: laughter is medicine) but like sex, it's context-dependent. Entertainment that softens our attitude toward sin, mocks God, or turns holy things into jokes causes spiritual harm. Each Christian must develop personal convictions (Romans 14) rather than imposing them on others. The test: is your walk with God sustained while enjoying this entertainment?

Entertainment — biblical principles

necromancy necromancy contacting the dead

Feeling the presence of a dead loved one: concerning because it may lead to attempting to contact the dead, which the OT consistently condemns. If you're contacting any spirit, it's not the deceased — you're opening yourself to whatever spirit wants to respond. Encourage the person to cherish memories but not pursue spiritual contact. The practice of praying to the dead entered church history through the Eastern church's interaction with pagan culture.

Contacting the dead — biblically condemned

gender dysphoria transgender identity

Gender dysphoria: (1) it's a false belief about identity that shouldn't be fed by dressing as the opposite sex — that reinforces the delusion. (2) Our culture causes harm by affirming transgender identity instead of helping people overcome dysphoria. (3) Presenting as the opposite sex perpetrates a deception on others. (4) Overcoming it involves embracing God-given identity and challenging extreme/stereotypical views of masculinity and femininity.

Gender dysphoria — biblical response

Mark 11:1 Mark 11:1 geography of Jerusalem Mount of Olives

The geography of Bethphage, Bethany, and the Mount of Olives sets the stage for a ceremonial ascent to Jerusalem — cresting the mount gives the first view of the city and temple.

Verse-by-verse study of Mark 11:1

Mark 11:2-6 Mark 11:2-6 donkey symbolism

The colt arrangement was likely a pre-arranged passphrase, not supernatural knowledge — Jesus had extensive prior contact in Bethany and could have sent someone ahead to arrange it.

Analysis of the "password" phrase in Mark 11:2-6

Zechariah 9:9 Mark 10:45 Zechariah 9:9-10 Zechariah 9:9 Mark 10:45 Zechariah 9:9-10

Zechariah 9:9-10 is the key OT prophecy behind the entry — the messiah comes humble on a donkey bringing salvation through service, not military conquest. The donkey vs. war horse contrast is central.

Old Testament prophetic background for the Triumphal Entry

Genesis 49:10-11 Psalm 20:7 1 Kings 1 typology typology Genesis 49:10-11

Solomon's inauguration on a donkey (1 Kings 1) and Genesis 49:10-11 provide additional donkey-messiah connections that Zechariah 9:9 likely draws from.

Additional OT background on donkey symbolism

Mark 11:7-8 2 Kings 9:13 Triumphal Entry Mark 11:7-8 2 Kings 9:13

Cloaks and branches on the road are red-carpet treatment declaring Jesus as king — the only OT parallel is 2 Kings 9:13 where Jehu is declared king of Israel.

Analysis of cloaks and branches in Mark 11:7-8

Psalm 118:24-28 songs of ascent Psalm 118:24-28 festival sacrifice hosanna

Psalm 118:24-28 contains a compressed gospel narrative: Hosanna (save now), the festival sacrifice bound to the altar (Christ crucified), and then "You are MY God" — relationship through sacrifice.

Continued Psalm 118 exposition with gospel typology

Malachi 3:1 Mark 11:11 Mark 1:2-3 Malachi 3:1 deity of Christ temple cleansing

Mark 11:11 — Jesus evaluating the temple fulfills Malachi 3:1 ("the Lord will suddenly come to his temple"). This is the culmination of Mark's opening quote and his subtle deity Christology.

Analysis of the brief but significant Mark 11:11

circular reasoning atheism circular reasoning

Overview: Responding to an article presenting the "best arguments" of top atheists against God. The first four are circular and self-refuting; the fifth (problem of evil) is genuinely difficult but well-answered.

Introduction to video analyzing Sam Wickstrom article on atheist arguments from Dawkins, Nietzsche, and Epicurus

Richard Dawkins Michael Ruse The God Delusion

Richard Dawkins is not respected even by fellow atheists as a philosopher of religion. Atheist philosopher Michael Ruse says The God Delusion "makes me ashamed to be an atheist."

Setting up Dawkins' credibility before addressing his arguments

circular reasoning atheism circular reasoning

Argument 1 — "We're all atheists, some just go one god further" — is logically absurd. Believing in one God IS the defining difference between monotheism and atheism; it's not a minor distinction.

First argument from Dawkins: the "one less god" argument

Luke Barnes William Lane Craig biblical prophecy William Lane Craig

The "outsider test of faith" (apply your reasons for rejecting Thor to Christianity) backfires for informed Christians because the evidence for Christianity specifically doesn't work for pagan deities.

Responding to the street epistemology version of argument 1

Natasha Crain false dichotomy circular reasoning

Argument 2 — "Don't indoctrinate children, teach critical thinking" — presents a false dichotomy. You can only separate religion from critical thinking IF you assume all religion is false, making this circular.

Second argument from Dawkins: the indoctrination argument

circular reasoning atheism Matt Dillahunty

Argument 3 — Nietzsche's "atheism is instinctual" — backfires because sociological research shows religious belief is actually natural and atheism must be trained. Also applies a double standard on evidence.

Third argument from Nietzsche: atheism as instinct

Daniel Dennett circular reasoning atheism Sam Harris

Argument 4 — "Religion is desperation, fear of reality" (Nietzsche) — is circular (assumes atheism is reality) and actually describes Buddhism more than Christianity. Atheism itself denies key realities.

Fourth argument from Nietzsche: religion as escapism

Romans 8:28 problem of evil logical problem of evil problem of evil

Argument 5 — The Problem of Evil (Epicurus) — is genuinely difficult but the logical version has been abandoned by academic atheist philosophers. The dilemma offers a false set of options.

Fifth argument: the problem of evil from Epicurus

theodicy theodicy problem of evil

Four theodicies provide a cumulative answer to the problem of evil: soul-building, free will, natural law, and skeptical theism.

Detailed treatment of theodicies responding to the problem of evil

atheism problem of evil atheism

The problem of evil actually backfires on atheism: evil's existence presupposes objective moral values, which have no grounding on atheism. The problem of evil is itself evidence for God.

How the problem of evil becomes an argument FOR God