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Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

John 7:8-10 — Jesus did not lie when he said he was "not going up" to the feast; he meant he would not go publicly/openly as his brothers were urging, and he did go privately.

Q19 from Jody Wainwright: did Jesus lie to his brothers in John 7:8-10 when he said he was not going to the feast but then went anyway?

John 7:8-10 John 7:8-10 Jesus and truthfulness triumphal entry (Palm Sunday)
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Joseph Smith was a demonstrably false prophet; modern Mormonism is a victim of his fraud.

Question 19 from Evelyn Ellsworth (a Latter-day Saint) about the priesthood of all believers and Mike's denial of fellowship to Mormons.

1 Peter Genesis 50 priesthood of all believers Mormonism 1 Peter
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-12

The Kalam cosmological argument stated formally: Premise 1 — whatever begins to exist must have a cause; Premise 2 — the universe began to exist; Conclusion — the universe has a cause.

Formal presentation of the Kalam syllogism

syllogism William Lane Craig William Lane Craig
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

John McCrae adds: our sin nature explains interpretive divergence — we read preferences into Scripture. The Bible calls us to strive for truth (narrow gate), which makes the relationship with Christ richer. Drew's question is really just the problem of evil focused on one aspect.

Additional response to Q1 — sin nature and striving

John McCrae hermeneutics hermeneutics sin nature
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-19

Q&A: The witness of the Holy Spirit is not primarily an emotion but a witness (like testimony) — the Spirit confirms truths like "I am a child of God" (Romans 8). It can come through Scripture, prayer, or ongoing experience and can be temporarily quenched.

Q&A — witness of the Holy Spirit

Romans 8 Romans 8 witness of the Holy Spirit witness of the Holy Spirit
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-26

Q&A: On theistic evolution and Inspiring Philosophy (Michael Jones) — he's a brother in Christ doing his best to interpret Genesis. Mike is personally on the fence about Genesis interpretation, distinguishing the text question (what does Genesis say?) from the science question. John Walton's functional creation view isn't convincing to Mike but it's an in-house Christian debate.

Q&A — Genesis interpretation and theistic evolution

John Walton Genesis interpretation Inspiring Philosophy John Walton Inspiring Philosophy
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-04

Q: Difference between a false teacher and someone you disagree with? False teachers violate essential Christian truths (e.g., denying Christ's deity). Secondary issues (like inerrancy debates) are in-house disagreements, not false teaching. The line can get blurry on some issues.

Q&A — false teachers vs disagreement

false teachers false teachers essential vs secondary doctrines
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-18

Q: Could Christians have made up martyrdom claims? Unreasonable for Peter, James, and John — first-century evidence of their martyrdom is strong. Some later apostle martyrdom stories may have been embellished, but the core eyewitnesses clearly suffered for their resurrection claims. Martyrdom proves sincerity, not necessarily truth — but combined with ruling out hallucination, the case is strong.

Q&A — historicity of apostolic martyrdom

apostolic martyrdom sincerity of testimony
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-06

Mike interviews Dr. Sean McDowell about his doctoral research on apostolic martyrdom as evidence for the resurrection. The argument: martyrdom proves sincerity (not truth), which eliminates the conspiracy/lying hypothesis. It's one piece of a larger resurrection argument, not standalone proof.

Introduction — apostolic martyrdom and the resurrection

apostolic martyrdom Sean McDowell conspiracy hypothesis
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-21

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

John James Blunt John 6 feeding 5000 Bethsaida undesigned coincidences Bethsaida
Mike Winger idea 2020-06-03

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

apologetics apologetics new believers
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-15

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

Natasha Crain false dichotomy circular reasoning
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-21

Tim Stratton's journey from cage-stage Calvinist determinist to Molinist — catalyzed by noticing atheists calling themselves "free thinkers" while denying free will, and Calvinists doing the same in reverse.

Stratton's background and what sparked his research

Calvinism Molinism Calvinism
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Six reasons why "this mountain" is NOT limited to the temple (contra cessationist interpretation), but is a general truth about prayer: Paul's usage, Matthew/Luke parallels, OT mountain-moving language.

Refuting Jeff Durbin's cessationist interpretation that limits Mark 11 to imprecatory prayer against the temple

1 Corinthians 13:2 Mark 11:24 Mark 13:2 cessationism 1 Corinthians 13:2 cessationism
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Jesus's two options — "from heaven or from men" — establish a "sola heaven" principle: heavenly authority doesn't need earthly institutional approval. John didn't get Sanhedrin permission; neither does Jesus.

The theological implications of Jesus's binary question

Mark 7:8-9 sola scriptura Mark 7:8-9 sola scriptura
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Jesus's response pattern gives us a template: acknowledge the legitimate role (responsibility to teach) while rejecting the authority claims. The papacy has responsibility to teach God's Word but not the authority to determine truth.

How Jesus's response to the Sanhedrin applies to modern Catholic claims

Roman Catholicism sola scriptura papacy
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Christians must have spines — courage of conviction — when facing cultural pressure. Not angry Christians, but Christians who speak truth clearly and wisely. The persecuted church's lesson: when you know you're following God's revealed Word, you don't need man's permission.

Application on Christian courage in the face of authority and cultural pressure

Christian courage people-pleasing
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-12

Final applications: (1) Humility — see yourself with the same clarity you see others; (2) Obedience — receive God's messengers, don't reject them; (3) Leaders can be replaced; (4) The cornerstone wins — no matter what opposition arises, Jesus's lordship is the end of the story.

Closing summary and applications from Mark 12:1-12

humility humility leadership accountability
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

The trap: Pharisees and Herodians (sent by the Sanhedrin) use flattery to pressure Jesus into a direct yes/no answer. They want either criminal charges (sedition) or depopularization (alienating zealot followers).

Analysis of the trap question setup in Mark 12:13-16

Mark 12:13-17 Acts 5:37 Proverbs 29:5 Josephus Josephus Sanhedrin
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Paul before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23) is a model — he cleverly divided the room on the resurrection issue rather than just proclaiming Jesus is Lord.

Example of Christian cleverness from Paul in Acts 23

Acts 23 Matthew 10:16 Acts 23 Matthew 10:16 shrewd as serpents
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-29

Biblical framework: impartiality in judgment (no favoritism for rich or poor), all humans of one blood in God's image, individual sin/accountability, Scripture as the authority over lived experience. CRT is incompatible with Christianity on every core tenet.

The biblical response to CRT

Leviticus 19:15 image of God image of God biblical justice
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 2021-06-04

Should I Attend a Calvinist Church?: The church that I currently attend is in search of a new pastor, and the one that will be voted in is a Calvinist. I don't agree with Calvinism and question if I can submit to his authority/teaching. What do I do? Stay? Go? I don't want to be divisive but want to stand on God's truth in love.

Q&A question: Should I Attend a Calvinist Church?

Calvinism pastoral ministry submission in marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Can we Truly Feel God’s Presence?: Todd Friel (Wretched Radio) said “The Bible doesn’t teach that we can feel God’s presence” and the “warm fuzzies” are only an emotional response when our minds receive biblical truth. Is this true?

Q&A question: Can we Truly Feel God’s Presence?
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

About Witnessing and Exemplifying Christ: My husband isn’t open to hearing me speak truth, so I have stopped correcting him. Is this a sin?? If he dies, he will go to hell.

Q&A question: About Witnessing and Exemplifying Christ

marriage hell
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

Can Preaching the Truth Harden Hearts?: What is a Christian’s role to speak truth on cultural issues to non-Christian society? Just preach good news & individual hearts get changed? It seems like preaching against homosexuality hardens hearts.

Q&A question: Can Preaching the Truth Harden Hearts?

homosexuality
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

Hidden Meaning in the Book of Ruth?: Is there any hidden meaning behind Ruth uncovering Boaz's feet in Scripture?

Q&A question: Hidden Meaning in the Book of Ruth?
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

Can We Love Truth More than God?: Can I be a truth-seeker and a good Christian? Is it possible to love the truth more than God, considering that Jesus is the truth?

Q&A question: Can We Love Truth More than God?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

When we Should and Shouldn’t Witness: How do we know when to speak up about the truth of Christ vs. when not to? I am grieved by what I see being claimed as “truth” today, but I don’t want to just sit back and say “I’m not supposed to judge.”

Q&A question: When we Should and Shouldn’t Witness

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

About Doubt, Truth, & Bias: My friend is doubting his faith and reality because he claims there's no way to discern truth objectively without some sort of bias. How would you answer him?

Q&A question: About Doubt, Truth, & Bias

doubt and faith
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

How to Tell if a Sermon is Biblical: How does one recognize if a message is biblically accurate? Oftentimes a message is given with Scripture to back it up. How do you gauge the truthfulness of the message?

Q&A question: How to Tell if a Sermon is Biblical
Mike Winger idea 2021-12-10

Are Different Convictions = Subjective Truth?: How do we protect ourselves from post-modernist thinking such as "truth is subjective" when discussing matters of different convictions (ex: Christians disagreeing over matters such as cursing, etc.)?

Q&A question: Are Different Convictions = Subjective Truth?
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

Overcoming Fear while Witnessing: I am currently attending a public school, and I’m wondering how I am supposed to speak the Word and truth of God when I fear that I will be shut down if I let my true beliefs be heard. Any advice?

Q&A question: Overcoming Fear while Witnessing

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-04

Desire to Believe, but Still Doubtful?: I am very eager to have a relationship with Jesus. However, I still have doubts about the truth of Christianity, and I don’t have full certainty. But people believe their mom loves them. Advice?

Q&A question: Desire to Believe, but Still Doubtful?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-18

Theism vs. Biblical Christianity: I’m a theist, but I am not a Christian. What are some attributes of God? And how does Jesus exhibit them in specific situations in the Bible? Could you please pray that God gives me confirmation in my mind of the deity of Jesus? Or at least whether or not Jesus rose from the dead. No matter the evidence, I can’t tell. I want the truth.

Q&A question: Theism vs. Biblical Christianity

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-06

Speaking the Truth in Love – Abortion: How do we discuss abortion in a way that doesn't push people away from the Gospel? Despite being very careful to speak up with gentleness, I'm still getting accused of being hateful, and blocked.

Q&A question: Speaking the Truth in Love – Abortion

abortion
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Why Christianity vs. Other Religions?: Why should a person be Christian over another monotheistic religion which claims to be the truth, such as Islam?

Q&A question: Why Christianity vs. Other Religions?

Islam
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

Understanding Philippians 4: Philippians 4:8 confuses me because so many true things are none of the other things on the list. A lot of truth is just the opposite. I read books about true things that are not the other things.

Q&A question: Understanding Philippians 4

Philippians 4:8 Philippians 4 Philippians 4:8 Philippians 4 Philip
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

Was Elihu in Job Correct?: In Job 32:7-9, the Lord tells Job’s 3 friends to sacrifice burnt offerings because they haven’t spoken truth, but the Lord didn’t mention Elihu. Does that mean Elihu was correct in his speech?

Q&A question: Was Elihu in Job Correct?

Elihu
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-01

Truth in Love when Family is in Sin: My fiancé's sibling is transgender. I'm scared our future children will think it is a good thing and that it’s right. His family accepts this lifestyle unquestionably. I don't want to cut them out of our lives, but I don't know what else to do to protect our family. How can I be obedient to God and still be loving to his sibling and the rest of the family?

Q&A question: Truth in Love when Family is in Sin

parenting
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

Minimal Facts vs. Maximal Facts Arguments: Is a minimal facts argument or maximal facts argument better in presenting the truth of the Resurrection of Jesus?

Q&A question: Minimal Facts vs. Maximal Facts Arguments

Jesus resurrection
Mike Winger idea 2023-01-27

Sharing Truth with a Defensive Person: My husband doesn't believe in the Trinity and gets so defensive when I try to talk to him about the true God. Should I not bring it up anymore and just live as an example?

Q&A question: Sharing Truth with a Defensive Person

marriage Trinity
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-03

Worshiping in Spirit & in Truth: What does it mean to worship God “in Spirit and in truth”?

Q&A question: Worshiping in Spirit & in Truth

worship
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-05

Will Sharing Tough Truth Ruin our Witness?: I'm afraid to talk about issues like abortion, LGBT, etc. for fear that I'll turn people off so much that they won't listen AT ALL when I try to share the Gospel. How can I resolve this?

Q&A question: Will Sharing Tough Truth Ruin our Witness?

abortion
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-05

Is There a Temple in Heaven?: Is there a literal temple in Heaven, or is that meant to be understood figuratively? I have always understood that the temple/tabernacle on Earth were to represent truths about Heaven.

Q&A question: Is There a Temple in Heaven?

NAR
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-07

Hellfire & Brimstone Preaching: What are your thoughts on the "Hellfire and Brimstone" style of preaching? Is there any truth in it?

Q&A question: Hellfire & Brimstone Preaching

hell
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-01

Does Catholicism Save?: If at the end of days, the Protestant belief is proven true, would Catholics be saved? Conversely, if Catholicism turns out to be the truth, would Protestants be saved?

Q&A question: Does Catholicism Save?

Roman Catholicism
Mike Winger idea 2023-10-17

Teaching Convictions as Truth: How should we deal with a pastor who is unwilling to receive correction on anything against his own convictions? It wouldn’t be as big of an issue, but he preaches his ideas as truth (i.e., no alcohol).

Q&A question: Teaching Convictions as Truth

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-16

How to Know Christianity is the Truth: I am so afraid. There is so many views about God. How can I be sure I am following the correct ways? I claim to be a Christian but there are too many different views.

Q&A question: How to Know Christianity is the Truth
Mike Winger idea 2024-01-26

Satan’s Guide to The Bible?: There is a dangerous video gaining popularity, called "Satan's Guide to The Bible," that illustrates a pretend children's Sunday school class learning from Satan as their substitute teacher. He claims that pastors keep secrets from their congregants, but that he will reveal those secrets and tell them the truth. Can you please analyze this video and refute its false claims about the Bible?

Q&A question: Satan’s Guide to The Bible?

Satan pastoral ministry
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