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All (101) Mike Winger (101)
Mike Winger idea 2019-07-17

Q&A: Why did God stop doing big signs and miracles (burning bush, parting the sea)?

Question from a listener puzzled by the apparent cessation of large-scale miracles after the Old Testament.

miracles cessationism continuationism
Mike Winger idea 2019-08-07

Q&A: Did Jesus perform miracles as God or purely as a human in right relationship with God?

Viewer raises a Christological claim used to support charismatic miracle theology.

Bill Johnson miracles Christology
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-29

Elijah on Mount Carmel: biblical example of knowing vs. showing — he knew God was real, he showed others through evidence

Old Testament narrative case study illustrating the knowing/showing distinction

1 Kings 18 Elijah 1 Kings 18 Mount Carmel
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-29

Moses and the plague of frogs: God let Pharaoh choose the time so Pharaoh could know no one is like the Lord

Second OT narrative case study illustrating knowing vs. showing

Exodus 8:10 Moses miracles as evidence knowing vs. showing
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-29

Jeremiah 28:9: the test of a true prophet is whether his words come to pass — an evidential approach to prophetic verification

Third OT narrative example of knowing vs. showing, this time about prophetic credentials

Jeremiah Jeremiah 28:9 Jeremiah prophecy miracles as evidence
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-29

John the Baptist's doubt from prison: Jesus responded with fresh evidence rather than rebuke

NT case study: how Jesus handled the doubt of a believer who already had abundant witness

John the Baptist John the Baptist faith miracles as evidence
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

Critique of Bethel/Bill Johnson teaching that everyone works miracles and is a prophet

Application of the 1 Corinthians 12 argument against charismatic excess

1 Corinthians 12 Bethel Church Brian Simmons Bill Johnson
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-09

Root cause of New Age adoption: absence of Holy Spirit necessitates manufactured methods

Theological diagnosis of why Christians turn to New Age practices

spiritual gifts Holy Spirit discernment
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-23

Hebrews 6:4-6 — the most difficult passage in the Bible; three main interpretive options explored

Question from Delante Dingo about whether the Parable of the Sower clarifies Hebrews 6 and whether salvation is eternal.

Hebrews 6 Hebrews 6:4-6 Luke 8:4-15 salvation eternal security Hebrews 6
Mike Winger idea 2018-09-26

Craig Keener's book on miracles — medically verified miraculous accounts

A viewer asks for a good example of raising the dead today.

Craig Keener miracles Miracles
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-29

False signs and wonders: miracles do not authenticate a religion; Satan has real but limited supernatural power

Question from 'spazzy jazzy' about a Japanese friend who believes a false religion because of a miraculous healing her mother received.

Exodus 7 Mark 13:22 discernment evangelism Exodus 7
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-12

Q15: Matthew 11:22-24 — If Sodom would have repented at Jesus's miracles, why didn't Jesus go to Sodom? Christians need not have an answer to every question

Viewer Lawrence H asks why Jesus did not perform miracles in Sodom to prevent its destruction, given Jesus's statement in Matthew 11.

Matthew 11:22-24 apologetics divine judgment Sodom and Gomorrah
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-05

Mark 8 feeding of 4000: disciples may not have expected another miracle because Jesus did not multiply food at every meal; also, Jewish messianic expectation may not have extended to feeding Gentiles

Responding to why the disciples in Mark 8 seem unaware that Jesus had already fed 5000 in Mark 6

Mark 6 Mark 8 Gentiles Feeding of the 4000 Mark 6
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

The claim that Jesus was based on Jesus ben Ananias (from Josephus) is historically untenable given the robust bedrock consensus of historical facts about Jesus.

Q16 from Aaron Rampersad: what do you think about the claim that Jesus Christ was based on Jesus ben Ananias in Josephus's Jewish War?

Josephus apologetics Richard Carrier
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

God physically appearing to everyone would not necessarily eliminate unbelief; unbelief is often a heart issue, not an evidence problem.

Question 8 from Amanda about why God does not appear physically and audibly to eliminate all unbelief.

Romans 1 John 5 John 1 apologetics Matt Dillahunty unbelief
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-12

Objection: this only gets you to generic theism, not the Christian God. Response: each attribute (spaceless, timeless, etc.) was justified, not ad hoc; the Kalam is meant to be followed by evidence for the resurrection to identify the God.

Objection — doesn't prove the Christian God

Kalam cosmological argument cumulative case apologetics Kalam cosmological argument
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

Fourth option: written literature is the BEST medium for communicating detailed, specific information that can be preserved, studied in community, and shared worldwide. Other communication methods (prophets, dreams, miracles) are either also subject to interpretation, subjective, or lack specificity.

Response to Q1 — written text as optimal communication

1 Corinthians 12:12 1 Corinthians 12:27 Mark 12:30-31 hermeneutics hermeneutics divine communication
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-08

Building a case for Jesus's miracles with kids: (1) If God exists, miracles are possible — this is a worldview starting point. (2) Earliest sources (Mark) describe a miracle-working Jesus — 40% of Mark's narrative involves miracles. (3) No sources describe a non-miracle-working Jesus. (4) Miracles are integrally woven into the narrative — you can't remove them without the story collapsing. (5) Virtually all historians agree Jesus drew large crowds doing something remarkable. (6) The resurrection is the central miracle with significant historical evidence.

Case for Jesus's miracles — for kids

1 Corinthians 15:14 Gary Habermas Gospel of Mark Gospel of Mark
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-08

Each chapter has a conversation guide: (1) "Open the conversation" — easy questions to get kids talking without intimidation. (2) "Advance the conversation" — deeper questions with tips in parentheses guiding parents on key points to cover. Designed to move from kids' heads to actual parent-child dialogue.

Conversation guide structure

Natasha Crain kids apologetics conversation guides
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-12

Four things to know before historical investigation of Jesus: (1) Historical investigation is limited — historians intentionally bracket inspiration of Scripture. (2) Failure to confirm ≠ denial it happened. (3) History is probabilistic — the best verdict is "extremely likely," never 100%%. (4) Scholars are people with biases — Bart Ehrman rejects miracles by methodology, not evidence ("as a historian you're not allowed to posit miracles").

Framework for historical investigation of Jesus

Bart Ehrman Mike Licona Bart Ehrman
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Mountain-moving is a euphemism for what is humanly impossible but possible for God. Faith is weak (mustard seed), not strong — the emphasis is that you don't earn miracles; God does everything, you just believe.

Correct interpretation of the mountain-moving promise in Mark 11

Mark 10:25-27 Galatians 3:5 Mark 10:25-27 Galatians 3:5 faith and prayer
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Your part in prayer is faith, but GOD does the miracles — the power is not in your words or your belief, but in God's response. Forgiveness of others and repentance of sin are prerequisites for effective prayer.

Analysis of active/passive language in Mark 11 and the forgiveness requirement

1 Peter 3:7 Mark 11:25 Matthew 5:23-24 1 Peter 3:7 Mark 11:25 Matthew 5:23-24
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

First-century magic (witchcraft) forced the gods' will to obey the practitioner. A distorted Mark 11 teaching that sources miracles in MY will rather than God's will moves into the realm of magic, not prayer.

Historical context: prayer vs. magic in the first century

Word of Faith Word of Faith magic vs prayer
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

The claim "it's always God's will to heal sickness" is arbitrary — the apostles themselves suffered illness (Timothy's stomach issues, Trophimus left sick, Epaphroditus nearly died) while doing miracles.

Refuting the Word of Faith claim that sickness is never God's will

2 Timothy 4:20 1 Timothy 5:23 1 Peter 4:19 thorn in the flesh 2 Timothy 4:20 Word of Faith
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Faith for miracles is different from saving faith — it's initiated by God (a spiritual gift), not fabricated by the believer. Jesus had a responsive ministry to the Father, not initiatory. You respond to what the Spirit reveals.

Theological framework: miracle-faith as God-initiated response, not self-generated belief

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Conclusion: Mark 11 teaches new-covenant prayer through Christ, accessed by faith (not works). Real faith believes both for miracles AND in suffering when God says no. The harder path of faith is trusting God's "no."

Summary of the full teaching on prayer from Mark 11 and 14

Mark 11:22-25 Mark 14:35-36 Kenneth Copeland Word of Faith Kenneth Copeland
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

The chief priests, scribes, and elders = a delegation from the Sanhedrin (Jewish supreme court, ~70 members). This is a significant escalation — Jesus is now on their turf in Jerusalem, confronting the highest authority in Israel.

Identifying the Sanhedrin delegation in Mark 11:27-28

John 18:31 Mark 11:27-33 Sanhedrin Sanhedrin temple cleansing
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 2021-07-16

More Miracles than Jesus?: Often, John 14:12-14 is used by “word of faith” preachers that I used to listen to. Their claim is that we are to do the same and more of the miracles that Jesus did. How should I see these verses?

Q&A question: More Miracles than Jesus?

Jesus miracles word of faith
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-13

What is a Miracle?: What is a miracle? If it can be explained, is it still a miracle?

Q&A question: What is a Miracle?

miracles
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

About Miracles & False Religions: You've said miracles in other religions are false signs from Satan. Why would other religions have reason to think these signs are from Satan? Couldn't a Muslim say the same thing to a Christian?

Q&A question: About Miracles & False Religions

Satan miracles Islam
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

What do Miracles/Healing Depend On?: If one were to pray over someone for a miracle or for healing, what would the chances of it working depend on? Jesus said that it depends on faith. Does it also depend on being a relatively righteous person?

Q&A question: What do Miracles/Healing Depend On?

Jesus miracles healing
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-08

How to Recognize the Spirit vs. Enemy: How do we know when we feel the Holy Spirit that it isn't a trick from Satan making us think that it’s God? And how do you know Jesus’s resurrection wasn’t a false miracle/wonder by Satan?

Q&A question: How to Recognize the Spirit vs. Enemy

Jesus resurrection Satan
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

Did Jesus Not Know Who Touched Him?: In Luke 8: 45, Jesus asks who touched His garment while in a crowd. Did Jesus really not know who had touched Him, nor that this miracle would take place?

Q&A question: Did Jesus Not Know Who Touched Him?

Luke 8 Jesus miracles Luke 8
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-04

Is the Resurrection Proof of Jesus’ Deity?: What should I say to someone who isn’t impressed with the resurrection of Jesus proving that He is God? I don’t think there is a better miracle explaining who God is and what He does.

Q&A question: Is the Resurrection Proof of Jesus’ Deity?

Jesus resurrection miracles
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-06

Should we Command People to be Healed?: Should we command for someone to be healed, or ask God for someone to be healed (Acts 3:6)? Do we have the very same authority of the Apostles to perform miracles (Mark 16: 17-18)?

Q&A question: Should we Command People to be Healed?

Mark 16 Acts 3:6 miracles Mark 16 Apostles
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-06

Symbolism Between the Wine & Jesus?: Was Jesus’ miracle of turning water to wine at Cana meant to be a symbol of how Jesus does not use water to wash us, but uses His blood (wine)?

Q&A question: Symbolism Between the Wine & Jesus?

Jesus miracles
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

How are Miracles Proof if Satan Can Also Do Them?: One of the proofs you've put forward that the Bible is from God is miracles and prophecy. If we see that Satan is also able to do miracles, like Pharaoh's magicians, then why are those things proof it’s from God?

Q&A question: How are Miracles Proof if Satan Can Also Do Them?

Satan prophecy miracles
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Could God Exist but Not be Perfectly Good?: Atheist here. What stops a supernatural but not perfectly good being from being the author of the miracles in the Bible, especially when you already accept the existence of supernatural beings?

Q&A question: Could God Exist but Not be Perfectly Good?

miracles atheism
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Why Didn’t God Show Sodom Miracles?: In Matthew 11: 23-24, Jesus says that Sodom would have been saved if they had seen His miracles. Why, then, didn’t God perform miracles so that they would believe? Doesn’t He want everyone to be saved?

Q&A question: Why Didn’t God Show Sodom Miracles?

Matthew Jesus miracles Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

About OT Prophet Credibility: Why were many of the prophets who wrote books included in the Old Testament if they didn't perform miracles and their prophecies didn't come true until the New Testament? What made them stand out from false prophets?

Q&A question: About OT Prophet Credibility

prophecy miracles
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

Should We Require a Sign from God Before Belief?: How would you respond if someone you love said something like, "I won't believe in any God unless He performs a supernatural miracle right in from of me”?

Q&A question: Should We Require a Sign from God Before Belief?

miracles
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

Meaning of the Leftover Miracle Food: What is the meaning of the 12 and 7 baskets left over from the feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000?

Q&A question: Meaning of the Leftover Miracle Food

miracles
Mike Winger idea 2023-05-12

Are Miracles Unreliable?: If Satan and his workers can perform miracles to mislead people, why should I believe Christians when they tell me to look at miracles, or when Jesus says to look at His miracles?

Q&A question: Are Miracles Unreliable?

Jesus Satan miracles
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

About Catholic Claims: Eucharistic Miracle: Have you ever heard of the apparent eucharistic miracle that Catholics point to? How would you respond to it and how they claim that the apparent miracle has been scientifically verified?

Q&A question: About Catholic Claims: Eucharistic Miracle

Roman Catholicism miracles communion
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-07

How to Explain Perceived Miracles: How can I respond with Scripture to my Catholic friend who says, “I’ve seen Mary & saints do miracles when my dad was in the ICU. That’s why it’s hard to leave the catholic religion: I’ve seen It”?

Q&A question: How to Explain Perceived Miracles

Roman Catholicism miracles
Mike Winger idea 2024-06-07

Was Mary Asking Jesus for a Miracle?: When Mary told Jesus that the wedding was out of wine, was she asking Him to do a miracle, or a more prosaic fix? I was taught that she asked for a miracle, but I wonder due to her other actions.

Q&A question: Was Mary Asking Jesus for a Miracle?

Jesus miracles
Mike Winger idea 2025-10-03

Street Healings: Are They Real?: Are street healings real? Christians pray for strangers who report relief from pain and various illnesses. But atheist Derren Brown has produced similar results. Are these miracles or psychological effects?

Q&A question: Street Healings: Are They Real?

Derren Brown miracles atheism
Mike Winger idea 2026-03-20

Miraculous Fakery: How do we Not Discard All Miracles?: I have found myself despising the miraculous due to the number of fakers out there. How do you guard against this as you have been working through exposing the fakery of the hyper-Charismatic church?

Q&A question: Miraculous Fakery: How do we Not Discard All Miracles?

miracles charismatic movement
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