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All (157) Scripture Commentary (32) Theology (11) Mike Winger (114)
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-28

The Great Commission applies to all Christians at some level; discipleship includes both evangelism (initiation) and ongoing teaching

Question from Cass Magnuson about how Matthew 28:18-20 applies to individual Christians and what making a disciple involves.

Acts Matthew 28:18-20 Great Commission discipleship baptism
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-18

Denominations — legitimate variety within Christianity vs. counterfeit groups

Question from Leonardo Borges about whether denominations are divisive and whether multiple Christian factions can be legitimate.

denominations ecclesiology heresy
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-25

Attending a same-sex wedding generally expresses affirmation, not merely love — Christians should decline

Q&A from Joel Holmberg about attending a same-sex wedding

Christian ethics same-sex marriage sexual ethics
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-02

John 3:5 "born of water and the Spirit": Mike defers to Michael Heiser's podcast work placing this in its Jewish context

Question from Jesse Crocus about whether "born of water" in John 3:5 refers to water baptism, physical birth, or something else

John 3:5 Michael Heiser Nicodemus John 3:5
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-09

Baptism: no required level of knowledge — New Testament pattern is immediate baptism upon faith

Question from Dimitar Bratov about the level of understanding required before baptism

catechesis baptism discipleship
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-06

All believers are indwelt by the Spirit at salvation, but degrees of Spirit-filling differ among believers

Responding to a question from Sarah P about whether salvation and Spirit baptism are the same event

Acts 6 Acts 2 John 20 Acts 6 Acts 2 Holy Spirit
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

Advice to a former JW: Do not transfer the JW 'true church' mentality to a new denomination — move from following an institutional governing body to following Christ, and seek genuine (not perfect) Christians.

Q: Former JW, not properly baptized — how to choose a church and who should baptize me? Afraid of being misled.

Calvary Chapel Jehovah's Witnesses Church Selection
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

Baptism does not require a perfect or specially credentialed person — find a genuine Christian you respect and be baptized; Jesus saves, not the baptism or the baptizer.

Practical baptism advice for the former JW questioner.

Baptism Sacramentology Salvation — Faith not Ritual
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-01

Q6 (wrong week): Advice for someone leaving a cult (JW) and finding a church; overcoming spiritual abuse

Response to question about choosing a church after leaving JW (note: Mike realized partway through this was from a previous week's questions)

spiritual authority Jehovah's Witnesses baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

Baptizing children should not be delayed based purely on age — genuine faith at any age is sufficient

Question from April B about baptizing her 8-year-old who has made a genuine profession of faith

baptism salvation faith
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-08

Re-baptism is not prescribed in Scripture but can be appropriate when the original baptism lacked genuine understanding

Question from Andrew Green about whether re-baptisms are biblical

2 Corinthians 2 baptism grace re-baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-15

Acts 2 tongues were real human foreign languages — each person heard in their own native language, not a single universal language

Question from Joel Holberg about whether the apostles in Acts 2 spoke a language everyone understood or each spoke a different foreign language.

Acts 2 Acts 2 Tongues / glossolalia Day of Pentecost
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-15

Adult believers who were baptized as infants should consider being re-baptized — baptism is a ratification of a personal decision to follow Christ

Question from LucyQ (from Finland) who was baptized in the Evangelical Lutheran Church as an infant but came to faith as an adult.

Baptism Infant baptism Re-baptism / believer's baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-12

Q11: Who can perform baptism? Scripture gives no explicit rule but establishes community precedent; a parent can baptize a child

Viewer 'Skirt Bobcat' asks who is authorized to perform baptism and whether a parent can baptize their children.

Paul the Apostle church authority baptism
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a post-salvation experience with mandatory tongues is not supported by Scripture; authentic gifts are preferred over formulaic fake ones.

Question from Lauren Breon about whether the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a separate experience with prayer language is scriptural.

1 Corinthians 12 Cessationism Baptism of the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 12
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-22

Oneness Pentecostalism and baptism: standing firm on Trinitarian faith with grace

Reagen Bechtold's family are Oneness Pentecostals who wanted him/her to be re-baptized in their formula after already being baptized in a Trinitarian church.

James White Trinity baptism church history
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-26

Matthew 19:28 — the promise of 12 thrones for those who followed Jesus does not necessarily include Judas; Matthias' replacement and the symbolic nature of the number 12 both resolve the tension.

Robo King asks whether Judas still has a throne since Jesus promised 12 thrones to the Twelve in Matthew 19:28.

Acts 1 Matthew 19:28 Luke 22:28-30 eschatology Judas Iscariot Acts 1
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Re-baptism: Acts 19 supports being baptized again after receiving fuller gospel understanding; LDS baptism is invalid

Q5 from Stephanie Morse: Are there biblical examples of people being baptized more than once? She was baptized LDS and wants to be re-baptized.

Acts 19 John's baptism Apollos Holy Spirit Acts 19
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-19

Baptism: biblical basis and urgency; no reason to delay

Listener Kenneth asks how to explain the importance of baptism to a new Christian who has not yet been baptized.

Acts 2:38 Acts 8:36-38 Hebrews 5 Philip the Evangelist Ethiopian eunuch Acts 2:38
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-04

Q: What does "born of water" mean in John 3:5? Two interpretations: (1) physical birth (water/amniotic fluid) vs. spiritual birth — two births, not three; (2) "water and spirit" as one birth in Greek, referring to the spiritual reality baptism represents, not literal water baptism. Cornelius (Acts 10) proves baptism isn't required for salvation.

Q&A — born of water (John 3:5)

John 3:5 Acts 10 Cornelius John 3:5 born of water baptism and salvation
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-04

Q: Baptism in Acts 2:38 — is it required for salvation? No. Acts 10 (Cornelius) shows people receiving the Holy Spirit BEFORE baptism. The gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38 comes after repentance; baptism is commanded but not essential to receiving salvation. Cornelius was saved, Spirit-filled, and speaking in tongues before water baptism.

Q&A — baptism and salvation (Acts 2:38 vs Acts 10)

Acts 2:38 Acts 10 Cornelius Acts 2:38 baptism and salvation Acts 10 Cornelius
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-18

Q: 2 Corinthians 3:17 ("the Lord is the Spirit") — does it teach Jesus is the Holy Spirit? It affirms oneness in God but not Oneness Pentecostal theology. The Spirit is sometimes called the Spirit of Jesus; the Holy Spirit is Christ's presence with us. But the full NT also affirms distinct persons of the Trinity.

Q&A — 2 Corinthians 3:17 and the Trinity

2 Corinthians 3:17 Trinity Trinity 2 Corinthians 3:17
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-18

Survey of Mark showing Jesus consistently correcting false messianic expectations: (1) Mark 1:8 — baptize with Holy Spirit, not raise armies. (2) Mark 1:11 — beloved Son (sacrifice imagery from Genesis 22). (3) Mark 1:15 — repent and believe, not take up arms. (4) Jesus's ministry: exorcisms and healings, not political conquest — the enemy is Satan, not Rome; the problem is sin, not occupation. (5) Jesus sends crowds away instead of rallying them for war. The whole Gospel of Mark is about fixing these expectations.

Survey of Mark — correcting messianic expectations

Mark Series Genesis 22 (Isaac) Mark 1:8 Mark Series false messianic expectations Genesis 22 (Isaac)
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

Mark 11:27-33 reveals a striking parallel between the Sanhedrin's authority claims and modern Roman Catholic magisterial claims — not as a "hypocrite" jab, but as a pattern Jesus addresses.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 44 on authority, the Sanhedrin, and Roman Catholicism

Mark 11:27-33 Mark series Roman Catholicism Sanhedrin Sanhedrin
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-05

The Sanhedrin's question is for intimidation and ammunition, not information. Jesus's counter-question about John's baptism is a standard rabbinic technique that embeds his answer while denying them usable ammo.

Analysis of the Sanhedrin's question and Jesus's response strategy

Mark 11:27-33 Mark 14:61-62 Sanhedrin Sanhedrin Mark 11:27-33
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 2021-05-14

The Salvation Army replacing water baptism with wearing a uniform and not practicing communion is a serious mistake — baptism and communion are commanded by Jesus, not optional denominational choices.

Q2: Can the Salvation Army replace baptism with a uniform?

Jesus salvation baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

About John the Baptizer/Baptist’s Salvation: Was John the Baptizer born saved? Luke 1: 15 says he would be filled with the Holy Spirit "even from his mother's womb.”

Q&A question: About John the Baptizer/Baptist’s Salvation

salvation baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

Advice for the Timing of Baptism: I recently converted to Christianity. Our church does baptisms once a year, but my husband has Covid and can't attend. I want him to be there, but I also want to get baptized ASAP. What should I do?

Q&A question: Advice for the Timing of Baptism

marriage baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

Should a Protestant Marry a Catholic?: What do I do if I'm thinking about marrying a Catholic girl, myself being Protestant? She has no problems with my faith but wants our sons baptized, since she and her whole family is Catholic.

Q&A question: Should a Protestant Marry a Catholic?

Roman Catholicism baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-05

Is Baptism Required?: Why does the Bible sound like baptism is required for salvation in some places (eg. Mark 16: 16)? Does Acts 1:5 answer what KIND of baptism IS required (Holy Spirit baptism)? And what did Jesus mean by “to fulfill righteousness”?

Q&A question: Is Baptism Required?

Mark 16 Acts 1 Jesus salvation baptism
Mike Winger idea 2021-11-12

About Jews, Prophecy, & Baptism: Did the Jews (ex. Nicodemus) understand the prophecies of a future cleansing as involving literal water (ex. Ezekiel 36: 25-27)? A colleague thinks so (she believes baptism is necessary for salvation).

Q&A question: About Jews, Prophecy, & Baptism

Ezekiel salvation baptism prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-14

When to be Re-Baptized: If I lacked repentance at the time of my baptism years ago as a teen, should I be rebaptized now as an adult? This past year I've experienced true, heart-felt repentance and now I just want to obey.

Q&A question: When to be Re-Baptized

repentance baptism
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-06

Should I Get Re-Baptized?: If I was baptized as a teen and "messed up" a bunch, even not going to church as I should, should I get re-baptized after "coming to my senses" and trying to live for God again?

Q&A question: Should I Get Re-Baptized?

baptism
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

What is a “Clear Conscience” Before God?: I'm getting baptized soon, and one of the questions my church asks is basically, “Do you promise to follow God with a clear conscience?” I deal with a condemning conscience. Would this break the promise?

Q&A question: What is a “Clear Conscience” Before God?

baptism
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

About the Samaritans Receiving the Spirit: How were the Samaritans in Acts 8: 14-17 baptized in the name of Jesus, but only received the Holy Spirt when Peter and John came?

Q&A question: About the Samaritans Receiving the Spirit

Acts 8 Peter Acts 8 Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

Is Baptism Purely Symbolic?: Is baptism just a symbolic representation of our faith, or does it have a deeper value?

Q&A question: Is Baptism Purely Symbolic?

baptism
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-05

Should we be Baptized while Having Doubts?: People encourage me to get baptized ASAP (Acts 22: 16), but I struggle with serious psychological doubts. Should I disregard my doubts and get baptized? Can I take more time?

Q&A question: Should we be Baptized while Having Doubts?

baptism
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Is Being Baptized in a Special Location More “Spiritual”?: Is it wrong to think being baptized in the Jordan River could be special?

Q&A question: Is Being Baptized in a Special Location More “Spiritual”?

baptism
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

Did God Rest for More than 1 Day?: In the beginning of Genesis, it says God rested on day 7, but considering no creation happens beyond day 7, didn't He technically rest for more than 1 day, or am I misunderstanding something? Also, is it possible to ask you to pray for me? I'm getting baptized on Sunday and I hope my unsaved friends and family turn to Christ when they watch.

Q&A question: Did God Rest for More than 1 Day?

Genesis baptism creation Genesis
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-09

Has Jesus Always Been God?: Our pastor said on Sunday that Jesus wasn’t God here on Earth until the baptism of John and descending of the Holy Spirit. It sounded really bad to my ears. Can you comment, please?

Q&A question: Has Jesus Always Been God?

Jesus baptism pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-04-07

Who Can Baptize People?: Can anyone baptize? Or must one be a pastor?

Q&A question: Who Can Baptize People?

baptism pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

Baptized Believer, but Not Indwelled?: Acts 8: 16 says that believers in Samaria were baptized but hadn’t yet received the Spirit. Can one believe and be baptized without receiving the Spirit?

Q&A question: Baptized Believer, but Not Indwelled?

Acts 8 Acts 8 baptism
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-21

Why Didn’t Jesus Baptize?: Why didn’t Jesus water baptize anyone Himself (John 4:2)?

Q&A question: Why Didn’t Jesus Baptize?

John 4 John 4 Jesus baptism
Mike Winger idea 2023-09-01

Attending Catholic Ceremonies?: Can Christians go to Catholic weddings, funerals, and baptisms?

Q&A question: Attending Catholic Ceremonies?

Roman Catholicism baptism
Mike Winger idea 2023-10-17

Indwelling, Infilling & Assurance: Do you have the Holy Spirit if you haven't been baptized with Him? I don't feel/believe like I do. I can't hear His voice.

Q&A question: Indwelling, Infilling & Assurance

baptism
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-29

Three Dippings during Baptism?: What are your thoughts on “Trine Immersion” during baptism, specifically three dippings? Is it justified in Matthew 28: 19?

Q&A question: Three Dippings during Baptism?

Matthew Matthew 28 baptism Matthew Matthew 28
Mike Winger idea 2024-05-31

Did Jesus Baptize?: Considering John 3: 22 and 4:2, did Jesus Himself baptize others, or not? A Mormon brought this up to me, and the only thing I could think of was that John 3: 22 wasn’t actually saying Jesus baptized, perhaps only that He oversaw the baptisms. Any insight?

Q&A question: Did Jesus Baptize?

John 3 Jesus baptism Mormonism
Mike Winger idea 2024-12-13

Baptized in the Name of Jesus Only?: Why were people baptized in Jesus’ name in the book of Acts? I was challenged by this question and can’t figure it out.

Q&A question: Baptized in the Name of Jesus Only?

Jesus baptism
Mike Winger idea 2025-02-07

Should I Be Rebaptized?: I fell out of the faith years ago and recently came back and feel like I should get baptized again. Is there anything for or against this in the Bible?

Q&A question: Should I Be Rebaptized?

baptism
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