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Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath: Matthew 12:1-8 and the principle of hierarchical moral reasoning

Question from Dakota France about what Jesus means in Matt 12:1-8, whether the Sabbath carries rewards or penalties for Christians.

Romans 14 1 Samuel 21 Galatians David Romans 14 Christian liberty
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

Deuteronomy 22:28-29 (man seizes virgin) is best read as maximizing the woman's rights and removing the man's after a sexual violation; it reflects the law making the best of a sinful situation.

Q12 from Tyler: trouble understanding the morality of Deuteronomy 22:28-29; some say it's consensual, but 2 Samuel 13 (Amnon and Tamar) seems to contradict that.

Deuteronomy 22:28-29 2 Samuel 13 (Amnon and Tamar) Deuteronomy 22:28-29 2 Samuel 13 (Amnon and Tamar) sexual ethics (OT law)
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Mandating church traditions as biblical commands is wrong; Proverbs 22:28 and Matthew 18:18 do not support it

Q8 from John Doe: A church mandates women wear dresses and men be clean-shaven using Proverbs 22:28 and Matthew 18:18 — is it biblical to mandate adherence to tradition?

Proverbs 22:28 Matthew 18:18 church authority spiritual abuse tradition vs Scripture
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Responding to online skeptics who call God evil and Christianity irrational: focus on one argument, watch for dumping tactics

Q9 from Dora Ashby: Skeptics say belief in God is irrational, that Christians must approve of rape and torture, and that God is evil. How to respond?

apologetics atheism debate strategy
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-15

Jesus taught monogamy. Matthew 19:9 and Mark 10:11-12: divorcing and marrying another = adultery, which wouldn't make sense if polygamy were permitted. 1 Timothy 3:2, 3:12, Titus 1:6: elders/deacons must be husband of one wife — referring to polygamy prohibition. 1 Corinthians 7:2-4: each man his own wife, each woman her own husband — mutual sexual exclusivity eliminates polygamy.

Jesus taught monogamy — against polygamy

1 Timothy 3:2 Matthew 19:9 Mark 10:11-12 1 Timothy 3:2 polygamy polygamy
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-06

The Apostles' willingness to suffer demonstrates sincerity even without formal recantation opportunities. They knew what they were signing up for: Jesus told them they'd be brought before governors and kings (Matthew 10). They watched Stephen die, John the Baptist get executed, and Jesus himself crucified. They repeatedly chose to keep preaching despite imprisonment and beatings (Acts).

Sincerity without formal recantation opportunities

Matthew 10 apostolic martyrdom Matthew 10 sincerity of apostles
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-12

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

Matthew 16:17-23 Mark 9:31 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 Semiticisms Matthew 16:17-23 Mark 9:31
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 2021-05-28

About Jesus’ Death & Resurrection: Why do you think Jesus appealed to His death and resurrection as His messianic sign in Matthew 12: 39-40?

Q&A question: About Jesus’ Death & Resurrection

Matthew 12 Matthew Jesus resurrection Matthew 12
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

Can a False Teacher Cast Out Demons?: What is the deeper meaning of Matthew 12:22-28? I’m a little confused. Can a false teacher cast out demons? If so, wouldn't that be a kingdom that is divided against itself?

Q&A question: Can a False Teacher Cast Out Demons?

Matthew 12 Matthew Matthew 12 Matthew demons
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

When to “Shake the Dust from our Feet”: At what point are we to "shake off the dust from our feet" as mentioned in Matthew 10: 14 when trying to witness to friends, strangers, loved ones, etc.?

Q&A question: When to “Shake the Dust from our Feet”

Matthew 10 Matthew Matthew 10 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

About Jewish Interpretation: What's your take on Jewish interpretive methods for Scripture such as Gematria (Matthew 1: 17, Revelation 13: 18) or the Hebrew alphabet and pictographic symbolism? (Psalm 119: 73 for example) "Yod" = Hand, etc.

Q&A question: About Jewish Interpretation

Revelation 13 Matthew 1 revelation Revelation 13 Matthew 1 revelation
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

Was Jesus Dead for Three Days?: According to Matthew 12: 40, Jesus predicted He would be dead for 3 days. But according to Mathew 28:1 and Mark 16:9, it seems this wasn’t the case. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Was Jesus Dead for Three Days?

Matthew 12 Mark 16 Matthew Jesus Matthew 12 Mark 16
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

Understanding a Difficult Verse: Can you please explain Matthew 10:34-39 where Jesus says a man’s household will be his enemy?

Q&A question: Understanding a Difficult Verse

Matthew 10 Matthew Jesus Matthew 10 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

About “Leaven,” Destruction, & Revelation: Any thoughts on using Matthew 13: 33 to prove that people inside the faithful church will try to destroy it (saying that yeast is bad and the woman Jesus referred to is the same as in Revelation)?

Q&A question: About “Leaven,” Destruction, & Revelation

revelation Matthew Matthew 13 Jesus revelation Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

About Theophanies & Christophanies: Would you say that every theophany is a Christophany? (John 1: 17-18, Jude 1:5, John 8: 58, Matthew 11: 27, 1 Timothy 2:5)

Q&A question: About Theophanies & Christophanies

1 Timothy 2 1 Timothy 2:5 John 1 1 Timothy 2 Timothy 1 Timothy 2:5
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Does God Grant People Faith? / Calvinism: How would you interpret the end of Matthew 11 in a non-Calvinist way, since it seems at a quick read to me that God grants people faith?

Q&A question: Does God Grant People Faith? / Calvinism

Matthew Calvinism Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

About “Binding and Loosing”: In Matthew 16: 19, what does the Bible mean in terms of "binding" and "loosing," and how do we rightly understand and apply that concept today?

Q&A question: About “Binding and Loosing”

Matthew 16 Matthew Matthew 16 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

About Cult Shunning/Shaming: How can we differentiate the instructions given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 5: 11 & by Jesus in Matthew 18: 15-17 with the shunning/shaming practices of certain cults like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, etc.?

Q&A question: About Cult Shunning/Shaming

1 Corinthians 5 Matthew 18 Matthew 1 Corinthians 5 Jesus Matthew 18
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-01

Can All Sins Be Forgiven?: What does Matthew 12: 32 mean?

Q&A question: Can All Sins Be Forgiven?

Matthew 12 Matthew Matthew 12 Matthew
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 2022-05-20

About the Treasure/Pearl in Matthew 13: Is Matthew 13: 44-46 about us finding salvation in Jesus, OR is it about Jesus giving all for us? Is the treasure/pearl our salvation in Jesus? Or is it our value to Him?

Q&A question: About the Treasure/Pearl in Matthew 13

Matthew Matthew 13 Jesus salvation Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-17

Are Secret Churches “Denying God Before Men?”: Do secret churches in countries where Christianity is illegal contradict Matthew 10: 32-33?

Q&A question: Are Secret Churches “Denying God Before Men?”

Matthew 10 Matthew Matthew 10 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-24

Marriage in Heaven?: Since Jesus says that wives will be had in Heaven in Matthew 19: 29, why do most Christians say marriage won't exist in Heaven?

Q&A question: Marriage in Heaven?

Matthew Matthew 19 marriage Jesus Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-13

Are Retirement Savings Sinful?: Based off of the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12: 16-21) and the story in Matthew 19: 21, do you think it is sinful to save up for retirement?

Q&A question: Are Retirement Savings Sinful?

Matthew Matthew 19 Matthew Matthew 19
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-19

Why 6 Commandments Rather Than 10?: In Matthew 19: 18-19, why doesn’t Jesus tell the man to follow all 10 commandments instead of the 6 he listed when the man questioned him about having eternal life?

Q&A question: Why 6 Commandments Rather Than 10?

Matthew Matthew 19 Jesus Matthew Matthew 19
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

Is it Possible to be “Good”?: “Good Man”? Jesus said there is none good but God in Luke 18: 19, Mathew 19: 17, and Mark 10: 18. But, in Acts 11: 24 it talks about a Good Man. Also in Matthew 12: 35, Proverbs 13: 22, and Romans 5:7 (NIV).

Q&A question: Is it Possible to be “Good”?

Romans 5 Matthew 12 Matthew Romans 5 Jesus Matthew 12
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-16

Raising Dead & Healing for Today?: Raising the Dead: Should we practice Matthew 10:8 today, or has the command to heal, cast out demons, and raise the dead ceased?

Q&A question: Raising Dead & Healing for Today?

Matthew 10 Matthew Matthew 10 Matthew healing
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-16

Witnessing to Stubborn Family Members: Does “shaking the dust off your feet” (Matthew 10: 14) ever apply to family? Or are we to always endure in witnessing to family, despite continual rejection?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Stubborn Family Members

Matthew 10 Matthew Matthew 10 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2023-03-17

Trinitarian Clarity: How is the Holy Spirit not the Son or Father (Matthew 10: 20, Philippians 1: 19)? These verses confuse me when I’m trying to answer this question.

Q&A question: Trinitarian Clarity

Matthew 10 Matthew Philippians 1 Trinity Matthew 10 Philip
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

Are Casual Conversations Sinful?: Someone argued with me that because of Matthew 12: 36 (every idle word…), all jokes and fun conversations are sinful, and that Jesus never spoke in a casual, non-serious way. Is this true?

Q&A question: Are Casual Conversations Sinful?

Matthew 12 Matthew Jesus Matthew 12 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-23

God Lied 4 Times??: I’ve recently had someone use Jeremiah 20:7, Matthew 16: 28, the lack of immediate death in Genesis 3, and Cain’s exile in Genesis 4 as “evidence” that God is a liar. How would you respond?

Q&A question: God Lied 4 Times??

Genesis 3 Jeremiah Matthew 16 Genesis 3 Jeremiah Matthew 16
Mike Winger idea 2023-06-23

Are We to Administer Revenge Ourselves?: Someone said it was okay to exact revenge on pedophiles, and they used Matthew 18:6 to justify it. Is that what this Scripture really means or allows for?

Q&A question: Are We to Administer Revenge Ourselves?

Matthew 18 Matthew Matthew 18 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2023-07-21

Clarifying a Difficult Passage: A local UMC pastor preached on Matthew 18: 21-35. She said scholars say that Matthew added verses 34-35 and that the master does not represent God. I've never heard this take and it sounds concerning. Any insight?

Q&A question: Clarifying a Difficult Passage

Matthew 18 Matthew Matthew 18 pastoral ministry Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2024-02-23

Did Jesus Leave the 99 in Danger?: Regarding Matthew 18: 12, does Jesus know the 99 are safe when He leaves to find the 1? I’m trying to understand how this is responsible. Should we not do things for the greater good, but for the 1?

Q&A question: Did Jesus Leave the 99 in Danger?

Matthew 18 Matthew Jesus Matthew 18 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2024-02-23

Mark vs. Matthew – Contradiction?: Can you explain what some say is contradictory between Mark 9: 38-41 (not against us = for us) & Matthew 12: 30 (not with me = against me) & how that applies to NAR/false teachers who profess Jesus?

Q&A question: Mark vs. Matthew – Contradiction?

Mark 9 Matthew 12 Matthew Jesus Mark 9 Matthew 12
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-19

Who will Sit on the Thrones?: In Matthew 19: 28, Jesus states the 12 disciples will sit on 12/24 thrones in the regeneration. In Revelation 4:4, 24 elders are sitting on the thrones. Who are the other 12?

Q&A question: Who will Sit on the Thrones?

revelation Matthew Matthew 19 elder qualifications Jesus revelation
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-26

John Rejects but Jesus Affirms?: How should we understand John's rejection of being Elijah and a prophet (John 1: 21), while Jesus affirmed it (Matthew 11: 14)?

Q&A question: John Rejects but Jesus Affirms?

John 1 Matthew Jesus Elijah prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2024-05-31

Not Worthy = Not Saved?: Do Jesus' words in Matthew 10: 37-39 give the impression that if we don't put Him first in everything, we're not saved? Does the phrase "not worthy of Me" not refer to salvation?

Q&A question: Not Worthy = Not Saved?

Matthew 10 Matthew Jesus salvation Matthew 10
Mike Winger idea 2024-08-30

More Than One Interpretation?: Can Scripture have more than one correct interpretation? I know Psalm 22 can, but Catholics believe this is so with Peter as the rock in Matthew 16: 18 or Mary in Revelation 12. Is there a good method to test Scripture for this?

Q&A question: More Than One Interpretation?

Matthew 16 Psalm 22 revelation Peter Roman Catholicism Matthew 16
Mike Winger idea 2024-09-14

Why Evangelize?: Why should we evangelize, other than because God tells us to? If it would be God's will for someone to hear about Him, wouldn't God's will happen anyway? And based on Matthew 10: 14-15, wouldn’t they be worse off?

Q&A question: Why Evangelize?

Matthew 10 Matthew Matthew 10 Matthew angels
Mike Winger idea 2024-09-20

Was Simon Always “Peter”?: Catholics always say Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter. However, previous verses (Matthew 16: 16, John 21: 15, Matthew 4: 18, and Luke 5:8) refer to him as Simon Peter. Jesus says, “You are Peter…” not “From now on, you are Peter.” Was Simon always known as Peter?

Q&A question: Was Simon Always “Peter”?

Matthew 16 Matthew John 21 Peter Roman Catholicism Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2024-12-13

The Kingdom – “Suffered Violence”?: Can you help me to contextually understand Matthew 11: 12? Teachings I’ve heard have made no sense, and I have tried to understand it myself, but I’m not sure if I’m understanding what Jesus was saying here.

Q&A question: The Kingdom – “Suffered Violence”?

Matthew Jesus Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2024-12-13

How to Biblically Confront an Elder: How should a church member confront an elder biblically? Is Matthew 18 still applicable, or is there another text that applies since they are an elder?

Q&A question: How to Biblically Confront an Elder

Matthew 18 Matthew elder qualifications Matthew 18 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2025-09-12

What’s a Backslidden Christian?: What's a backslidden Christian? Is this the same as a Christian with thorny soil (Matthew 13, Mark 4, Luke 8)? And are they a slave to sin if they do sin? I'm afraid I'm this Christian.

Q&A question: What’s a Backslidden Christian?

Matthew Matthew 13 Luke 8 Matthew Matthew 13 Luke 8
Mike Winger idea 2026-01-02

Purgatory in the Book of Matthew?: I've been curious about the word “until” or “till” in Matthew 18: 34. Does this imply purgatory?

Q&A question: Purgatory in the Book of Matthew?

Matthew 18 Matthew Matthew 18 Matthew
Pulpit sermon 2026-03-22

"Does the Bible Permit A Woman to Preach?" - Jonny Ardavanis

A question that is both sensitive and significant within the life of the church — examining God's design, the effects of the fall, qualifications for church leadership, and relevant passages.

1 Timothy 2:12-14 Genesis 1 Genesis 1:26 Women in Ministry Complementarianism 1 Timothy 2:12
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