Search — Theology Explorer

Exodus 15 Moses Miriam Exodus 15

Exodus 15 shows Moses leading the people in a song, then Miriam leading the women — her leadership is specifically of women.

Contextualizing Miriam's role in Exodus 15

Miriam prophetess prophetic singing

Mike rejects limiting female prophets to speaking to women only, and rejects limiting Miriam to prophetic singing only.

Final positions on scope of female prophecy

Judges 5:12 Judges 5:6 Judges 5:24-27 Barak Jael Judges 5:12

The biblical context shows glory/credit goes to Jael (not God instead of Barak) — Barak gets one verse while Jael gets a whole section in Judges 5.

Proving the shame element is about Barak vs. Jael, not Barak vs. God

judges Judges 5 Deborah judges Judges 5

Conclusions on Deborah: she was a leader (not priest/king/military leader) but a judge and prophet; she had less leadership than other judges in some ways.

Summary conclusions on Deborah

Mike Winger idea 2024-03-01

Women worship leaders: depends on whether the role becomes pastoral

Mike addresses women leading worship music.

worship leading pastoral worship music ministry

Mike Winger idea 2018-03-28

Dan Barker: former Christian musician now affiliated with Freedom From Religion Foundation, who debates and speaks against Christianity

Introduction of Dan Barker

Dan Barker Freedom From Religion Foundation deconversion

Mike Winger idea 2018-04-11

Reason 1 refuted: Bible organization is not a valid test for inspiration

The skeptic argues the Bible is a 'hopeless mess' that is not well organized and should be arranged by topic (creation, relationships, parenting, prayer, etc.).

Song of Solomon Psalms Proverbs Sermon on the Mount biblical organization anachronism

Mike Winger idea 2018-04-11

Reason 7 (the 'half reason') addressed: The Bible does contain beautiful poetry; the Judges 19 example is a misrepresentation

The skeptic argues the Bible lacks beautiful, heart-rending poetry and cites Judges 19 (the Levite's concubine) as a counterexample of ugliness.

Genesis 1 Isaiah 53 Song of Solomon Genesis 1 Isaiah 53 Song of Solomon

Mike Winger idea 2019-03-13

Using materials from false teachers: distinction between promoting a false teacher's work vs. using theologically sound songs/content from a problematic source.

Question about whether to stay in a church that uses materials from false teachers.

Bill Johnson False teachers Bethel Music

Mike Winger idea 2019-04-24

Q&A: Traditional vs. contemporary worship music — worship is not primarily about personal enjoyment; cross-generational blending is ideal

Audience question about worship style preferences

church culture worship community

Mike Winger idea 2019-05-08

Worship songs with questionable original contexts may be acceptable in personal use but congregational use requires sensitivity to the consciences of all present

Response to question about whether it is okay to sing a song that in its original context is questionable but which people would interpret as worship to God

conscience stumbling block worship music

Mike Winger idea 2018-09-26

Worship music evaluation — two questions: is the song sound? Do I want to partner with the movement?

A viewer asks whether worship music should contain Scripture and doctrine, and whether Chris Tomlin and Jesus Culture are fine.

discernment worship music Bethel

Mike Winger idea 2020-12-11

Sexual passion within marriage is good and to be celebrated; the fire/fireplace metaphor: sex in marriage is beautiful like fire in a fireplace, destructive outside it.

Affirming marital sexuality

Song of Solomon Hebrews 13:4 marriage Song of Solomon sexual ethics

Mike Winger idea 2020-12-11

Update on the Passion Translation review project: four interviews done with scholars, more coming; Brian Simmons took unusual liberties especially in Revelation and Song of Solomon.

Passion project update - Passion Translation review series

Revelation Song of Solomon Brian Simmons textual criticism Revelation

1 Corinthians 8-10 — Meat Offered to Idols Bethel Music Hillsong Elevation Worship

Refusing to sing Bethel/Hillsong/Elevation music is not legalism, but binding that refusal on others crosses into judgmentalism — this is a conscience matter analogous to Paul's 'meat sold in the marketplace' principle.

Q: Is it too legalistic to refuse to sing Bethel/Hillsong/Elevation music due to the doctrines of those churches?

Bill Johnson Discernment / Heresy Worship Music and Discernment

Bethel's primary export is false revival — fake gifts, prophecy, healings — mixed with genuine-sounding worship music that ranges from theologically neutral to theologically dangerous.

Mike's own view on Bethel, offered after establishing the meat-in-marketplace frame.

1 Corinthians 8-10 — Meat Offered to Idols 1 Corinthians 8-10 — Meat Offered to Idols Christian Liberty / Conscience Worship Music and Discernment

Worship leaders bear collective responsibility to their congregations: presenting music in corporate worship is like preparing a meal for everyone — songs known to cause stumbling should be avoided.

Application of the meat-in-marketplace analogy to congregational worship leading.

Craig Blomberg Douglas Moo Brian Simmons

Passion Translation project update: Mike has hired multiple scholars to review the Passion Translation — Tremper Longman (Song of Songs, already published), Nijay Gupta (Galatians, days away), Darrell Bock, Douglas Moo, Craig Blomberg are upcoming.

Closing ministry update on the Passion Translation evaluation project.

Bethel Church Hillsong Brian Houston

Hillsong assessed as a mixed-bag ministry — not progressive, but tilted toward intense positivity over theological substance

Question from Christian Galindo about whether Hillsong is a progressive church with sound theology.

Hillsong Prosperity gospel / positivity gospel Ministry success metrics

Hillsong's explosive growth is driven by an extra layer of intense positivity — the "Happy Meal" model of Christianity

Continued analysis of Hillsong's ministry model.

Bethel Church Christian unity Hillsong

Hillsong is not a progressive church — progressives target traditional Christianity, Hillsong seeks an inclusive umbrella

Answering whether Hillsong qualifies as theologically progressive.

Christian music genres Cultural discernment Witness and lifestyle

Christian rock and metal can honor God but requires vigilance — the genre's sinful elements easily infect the message

Question from Simon Batha about whether Christian rock and metal can honor God.

Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

David's music drives away Saul's harmful spirit — a type of exorcism

David is summoned to play the lyre and the harmful spirit departs from Saul, suggesting an early OT proto-exorcism.

Psalm 91 1 Samuel 16:23 David exorcism Psalm 91

Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Deuteronomy 32:16-17 — OT sacrifices to idols are sacrifices to demons

OT theological foundation for demonic reality: those who sacrifice to idols actually sacrifice to demons.

Deuteronomy 32:16-17 idolatry Deuteronomy 32:16-17 demons behind idols

Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Question: Does Psalm 121:6 protect against sunburn? Analysis of the psalm as an Israel protection psalm

Viewer Brunette Family asks in a lighthearted way whether Psalm 121:6 permits skipping sunscreen.

Psalm 121 Song of Ascents hermeneutics Israel divine protection

Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

The Passion Translation is not a real translation — scholars hired by Winger unanimously agree it contains fabrications and mistakes, not genuine Hebrew/Greek insights.

Responding to a Twitter question from Jeff Gaitzens about a pastor using the Passion Translation.

Brian Simmons Passion Translation Tremper Longman

Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Organizing prayer life: mindset matters more than rigid structure; serving God during quarantine requires ambitious creativity.

Question from Ian Becker about organizing prayer life and serving God during COVID quarantine.

Prayer life Christian service Spiritual disciplines

Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Intrusive/unwanted thoughts: possible demonic origin and the Philippians 4:8 remedy

Question from Turka Orenzova about horrifying thoughts that pop into her head unbidden.

Philippians 4:8 John 13:2 Ephesians 6 Peter Philippians 4:8 Satan

Mike Winger idea 2020-02-12

Q&A: Revelation 21:1-2 and time in heaven. Heaven will involve time — months, sequential experiences — in physical resurrected bodies in the new creation. "Time will be no more" is poetic for everlasting, not literal timelessness.

Q&A — time in heaven (Revelation 21-22)

Revelation 21:1-2 Revelation 22:1-2 new heaven and new earth William Lane Craig physical resurrection

Mike Winger idea 2020-08-31

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

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

Mike Winger idea 2020-10-12

Jesus's parable directly taps into Isaiah 5's vineyard song — same elements (wall, vat, wine press, tower) — creating a typological parallel: Isaiah's time (prophets rejected → first temple destroyed) mirrors Jesus's time (Son rejected → second temple destroyed).

Isaiah 5 connection and temple destruction context

Isaiah 5 Isaiah 5:1-7 typology typology temple cleansing

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

What is a Biblical Perspective on Anointing for Today?: Can you explain “anointing” in the Bible and what the NT application is for believers? I've heard phrases like "That song/speaker is anointed" or "the anointing is in the room." Is this correct?

Q&A question: What is a Biblical Perspective on Anointing for Today?

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

Do you Know of any Biblical Marriage Songs?: I write lyrics for songs and I'm wondering if there are any marriage songs based on biblical theology. I spent years writing one to my wife and it still doesn't work. Looking for examples to follow.

Q&A question: Do you Know of any Biblical Marriage Songs?

marriage

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

Is it Biblical? Jesus in our Hearts: Do we have "Jesus in our hearts" as believers? What about worship songs about Jesus in the room? John 16:5-10, Acts 1:9-11 and basically all of Revelation seems to say Jesus is in Heaven for now.

Q&A question: Is it Biblical? Jesus in our Hearts

revelation Acts 1 John 16 Jesus worship revelation

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Was Christ Nailed to a Tree or Cross?: I’ve heard some Christian songs say Christ was nailed to a “tree” instead of a cross. Would you happen to know why the two terms are interchanged?

Q&A question: Was Christ Nailed to a Tree or Cross?

Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

About Questionable Worship Lyrics: I play guitar at my church. I don’t always agree with the theology couched in some songs. I don’t sing lines I don’t agree with, but I am still on stage. Would love to hear your general thoughts on this!

Q&A question: About Questionable Worship Lyrics

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About Lifting Hands in Worship & Others Watching Us: I have trouble lifting my hands during worship songs, though commanded in Psalms. I can’t get over the mental block that I’m trying to look good to people around me. Do I have a weak conscience, or am I disobeying Scripture?

Q&A question: About Lifting Hands in Worship & Others Watching Us

Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

Are Some Worship Songs Selfish?: Is it selfish or unbiblical for us to sing the song “How He Loves”? Sometimes I feel it's selfish that we're singing about ourselves when it's supposed to be a worship song. Shouldn't God get the glory?

Q&A question: Are Some Worship Songs Selfish?

Mike Winger idea 2023-07-21

Song of Solomon = Christ & Church?: I am currently studying Song of Solomon, and I was wondering, do you believe that it represents Christ and the Church? I have an issue with that, as the book describes a sexual relationship.

Q&A question: Song of Solomon = Christ & Church?

Solomon

Mike Winger idea 2023-09-29

Praising the Holy Spirit?: A friend said that Scripture never calls us to praise the Holy Spirit despite numerous worship songs and the Doxology saying otherwise. Is he wrong? Should we only worship the Father and the Son?

Q&A question: Praising the Holy Spirit?

Mike Winger idea 2023-10-17

Christians Made Whole “Again”?: How do you feel about songs that state, “You make me whole again”? It’s my understating that before faith in Christ we aren’t whole, saved, or forgiven. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Christians Made Whole “Again”?

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-23

Secular Songs During Worship?: What are your thoughts on Churches playing a secular song before worship? They’ve defended this practice with 1 Corinthians 9.

Q&A question: Secular Songs During Worship?

1 Corinthians 9 worship 1 Corinthians 9

Mike Winger idea 2024-08-30

Serving God in our Professions: I am a DJ on a secular radio station. Knowing what's in many of the songs, I wonder if I am not pleasing the Lord by being in this job. Is this a matter of conscience?

Q&A question: Serving God in our Professions

faith and science

Mike Winger idea 2024-09-06

Can WE Bless GOD?: Popular worship song lyrics say things like "I bless You" (as in we humans can bless God) and "You are enough, so I am enough." Is this biblical? Does Christ's righteousness imparted onto us also make us "enough"?

Q&A question: Can WE Bless GOD?

Mike Winger idea 2024-11-15

“The River” = Heaven?: Is there a biblical basis for songs about “crossing the river” into Heaven, or is that just Greek mythology? Is the Jordan River a legitimate biblical metaphor for dying and going to the Promised Land/Heaven?

Q&A question: “The River” = Heaven?

heaven

Mike Winger idea 2025-06-06

How to Share Concerns w/Leadership: Can you share some advice on how to approach church leadership with concerns regarding what appears to be false theology creeping into my church? Specifically: a lot of Hillsong/Elevation songs, TPT references, etc.

Q&A question: How to Share Concerns w/Leadership

church leadership Hillsong

Mike Winger idea 2025-08-08

Worship Lyrics: Thinking Biblically: I have a question about a worship song. Do you think it is appropriate to sing “Let Your holy fire consume us”?

Q&A question: Worship Lyrics: Thinking Biblically