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All (158) Mike Winger (158)
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 2021-03-19

Praying for healing for a child with a birth defect — contentment vs. miracle prayer

Listener Maria says her unborn baby has a serious birth defect; many friends are praying for a miracle but she isn't sure she can/should.

Romans 8:26 Kenneth Copeland Word of Faith Healing prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Introduction: Mike frames the show goal as helping viewers think biblically about everything.

Opening remarks before first question; also notes resolved internet issues.

biblical thinking pastoral teaching 20 Questions with Pastor Mike
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

The Holy Spirit speaks through fruit, track record, and confirmation from other believers; not every decision requires supernatural direction.

Question 14 from Gel Stapper (Netherlands) about how the Holy Spirit speaks personally, after leaving a hyper-charismatic church.

Ezekiel 13 Holy Spirit discernment wisdom
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

Mike Winger introduces a panel response to Genetically Modified Skeptic's video "4 Questions That Could Make You an Atheist," joined by Braxton Hunter, Cameron Bertuzzi, and John McCrae.

Introduction — response to Genetically Modified Skeptic

John McCrae apologetics apologetics Cameron Bertuzzi
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

Drew's Question 2: Shouldn't you worship the cruelest God imaginable? If Pascal's wager is about maximizing reward and minimizing punishment, inventing a maximally cruel God improves the wager by creating a true dichotomy.

Presenting Drew's argument — Pascal's wager and cruelest God

false dichotomy Genetically Modified Skeptic Pascals wager
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

Drew's Question 4: If God knows who will choose him, why not only create those people and skip earthly suffering? If free will is the answer, that implies heaven lacks free will (since there's no suffering there), making earth better than heaven.

Presenting Drew's argument — why create the non-elect?

free will problem of evil problem of evil
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

Drew repeatedly says "there's another option: God isn't real" — but easy explanations aren't necessarily good explanations. The tri-omni concept doesn't "fall apart under momentary consideration" — the problem requires more than momentary consideration.

Response to Q4 — easy vs good explanations

theodicy theodicy Genetically Modified Skeptic
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-26

Reason 1 (Sherry): Her 8-week ultrasound. She didn't see a clump of cells — she saw her child. "My choice was to keep her alive or kill her." Ultrasound compilation shows parents instinctively calling the image "he" or "she," never "the fetus."

Reason 1 — ultrasound revelation

ultrasound pro-choice to pro-life conversion
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-04

Q: Was the flood global or local? Mike is on the fence. The Hebrew word "earth" often means dry ground/land, not planet — even in Genesis where "everyone throughout the earth" comes to Egypt during the famine, it clearly doesn't mean globally. The theology (God judging sin, picture of Christ) is unaffected by scope.

Q&A — scope of Noah's flood

Genesis interpretation Genesis interpretation Noahs flood scope of the flood
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-11

The Hebrew word "erets" (earth) rarely means the whole planet. Genesis 1:10: God called dry land "earth." Genesis 11:1: "the whole earth" means all people. Genesis 13:6: "the land" couldn't support Abraham and Lot — obviously local, not planetary. Most flat earth arguments collapse once you understand this word.

The word "earth" (erets) doesn't mean planet

biblical cosmology flat earth biblical cosmology
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-11

Refuting Dean Odel's claim that Job 38:14 describes a flat earth stamped like clay under a signet ring. Problems: (1) the seal is a cylinder seal rolled over clay, not a ring pressed flat; (2) the missing word "changed" shows this is about daily sunrise revealing contours, not cosmological design; (3) the context is about wicked hiding at night and being exposed at dawn.

Job 38:14 — cylinder seal, not flat stamp

Job 38:14 flat earth Job 38:14 cylinder seal
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-11

Refuting Dean Odel's claim that Revelation 20:9 ("breadth/plane of the earth") proves flat earth via Greek word "platos." Problems: (1) platos means "wide/broad," not "flat" — Strongs says "broad"; (2) the passage describes a specific military march, probably across the valley of Megiddo; (3) earth doesn't mean planet here, just land.

Revelation 20:9 Greek word — breadth, not flat

Revelation 20:9 flat earth Dean Odel Revelation 20:9
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-18

Q: Does the Bible say anything about other planets and alien life? No biblical text suggests aliens on other planets. God made stars and planets to display his glory. The only extraterrestrial beings in scripture are God and angels. Mormonism's planet Kolob is the one religion that addresses this — and it's false.

Q&A — aliens and other planets

Mormonism Kolob Mormonism
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-18

Q: Why circumcision as the sign of the covenant? Not unique to Israel (others practiced it), but the meaning was unique. The NT reveals the deeper symbolism: putting off the flesh/sin nature. Circumcision of the heart (Deuteronomy 30:6) is the spiritual reality — the physical sign pointed to putting off carnality and becoming distinct from the world.

Q&A — why circumcision

Deuteronomy 30:6 circumcision circumcision Deuteronomy 30:6
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-18

Q: Where did Cain get his wife and who would kill him? Two options: (1) Adam and Eve's other children/grandchildren — could be hundreds of people by then, genetic issues not yet a problem. (2) Some scholars suggest other humans outside the garden, with Adam and Eve as representative/priestly figures. Mike leans toward option 1.

Q&A — Cain's wife and other people

Genesis interpretation Genesis interpretation Cains wife
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-08

Natasha's journey: started a devotional blog in 2011 with three kids under 3. Skeptics began challenging her on her blog — she couldn't answer questions about biblical errors, Jesus's historical existence, science disproving God. Realized her kids would face these challenges and she needed to equip them. Discovered the world of apologetics.

Natasha's journey into apologetics

Natasha Crain apologetics apologetics
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-21

Geographic knowledge in the gospels: the four gospel writers demonstrate detailed knowledge of Palestinian geography — small villages (Bethany, Bethphage, Chorazin), sub-village locations (Garden of Gethsemane = "oil press" on the Mount of Olives), topography ("went DOWN from Jerusalem to Jericho" — correct elevation change), and traveling times. This knowledge couldn't come from other ancient sources (Strabo, Pliny, Josephus don't have this level of detail). Only two explanations: the writers visited or spoke with eyewitnesses.

Geographic evidence — local knowledge test

gospel reliability geographic evidence Palestinian geography
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-15

Argument 4 — "Religion is desperation, fear of reality" (Nietzsche) — is circular (assumes atheism is reality) and actually describes Buddhism more than Christianity. Atheism itself denies key realities.

Fourth argument from Nietzsche: religion as escapism

Daniel Dennett circular reasoning atheism Sam Harris
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-21

Most leading naturalist/atheist thinkers deny libertarian free will: Dawkins, Harris, Dennett, Hawking, Rosenberg, Coyne, Carroll, Barker. Stratton uses their own admissions as premises in his argument.

Establishing that atheists themselves concede the naturalism-determinism link

Daniel Dennett Sam Harris Dan Barker Dan Barker
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-21

Premise 3 defense: if external forces determine your beliefs, you lose justification for knowledge. You become a "bag of beliefs, none of which are up to the bag." The mad scientist thought experiment illustrates this.

Detailed defense of the most attacked premise

determinism determinism consciousness
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-21

Some atheists are driven to deny their own existence to maintain naturalism — Rosenberg (The Atheist's Guide to Reality), Harris, Dennett all deny the reality of the self/consciousness. This is self-refuting: someone must be having the illusion.

Consequence of determinism: denial of self-existence

Daniel Dennett Sam Harris naturalism naturalism
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Overview: Mark 11:22-25 is the #1 Word of Faith verse. Winger approaches it by sidebaring the Kenneth Copeland debate to first understand the passage in its original context, then apply it.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 43 on prayer, faith, and Mark 11:22-25

Mark 11:22-25 Mark series prayer Kenneth Copeland Word of Faith
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 2020-10-19

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 2020-10-29

The four central tenets of CRT: (1) Racism is permanent, pervasive, and normal; (2) Racial disparities prove racial discrimination (disparities = proof of racism); (3) Dominant groups won't address racism because they benefit from it; (4) Lived experience of minorities is central to understanding racism.

Four core tenets of Critical Race Theory

systemic racism critical race theory white fragility
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 2019-11-06

The Hebrew preposition "min" (for/because of) in "pierced FOR our transgressions" — anti-PSA advocates claim it means "because of" (we sinned against him) not "for" (substitutionary). But min is used 7,000+ times with huge variety, and most translations render it "for."

Debate over the Hebrew preposition min in Isaiah 53:5

Isaiah 53:4-5 Isaiah 53:4-5 penal substitutionary atonement penal substitutionary atonement
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

About Jupiter in the Bible: In Acts 19:35 where it says “the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter,” is this referring to the planet Jupiter, and did they know of other planets in that period of time?

Q&A question: About Jupiter in the Bible

Acts 19 Acts 19
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

Re-Introduction

Q&A question
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

If our Sins are Forgiven, Why Ask for Forgiveness?: If Jesus paid for all of our sins once and for all, why are we still called throughout Scripture to continually ask for forgiveness (ex: The Lord's Prayer)?

Q&A question: If our Sins are Forgiven, Why Ask for Forgiveness?

Jesus prayer forgiveness
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the Enneagram: What is your view on the Enneagram? I recently had a lot of problems within my church about this.

Q&A question: About the Enneagram
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the “Three that Testify”: Can you shed some light on 1 John 5: 16-17?

Q&A question: About the “Three that Testify”
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About Freedom from the Law: When Paul says we're saved by grace apart from the works of the law, is he referring only to the Law of Moses, or the moral law, as well?

Q&A question: About Freedom from the Law

Moses
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About Gematria & Numerology: In light of today’s first question, how do you account for more subtle/compelling examples of Gematria such as JESUS (IESOUS in Greek) calculating to "888"? Contrast with "666.” 8=new life, etc.

Q&A question: About Gematria & Numerology

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About “The Passion of the Christ”: As a Christian, is The Passion of The Christ film OK to watch, and is it biblical?

Q&A question: About “The Passion of the Christ”
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About Ezekiel & OT Prophecies: What does Ezekiel 40-48 mean for us? What about OT prophecies about future sacrifices?

Q&A question: About Ezekiel & OT Prophecies

Ezekiel prophecy Ezekiel
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the Doxology in Scripture: How should we make sense of the Doxology at the end of The Lord's Prayer in some English Bibles when it doesn't occur in earlier manuscripts? Should we not use it?

Q&A question: About the Doxology in Scripture

prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

What does it Mean that God has a Plan?: I always hear "God has a plan for your life." What does this mean? Is this about salvation, gifting/calling, or about God's overall will for believers? Is this specific or general?

Q&A question: What does it Mean that God has a Plan?

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About Graven Images & Biblical Actors: Could you explain Exodus 20:4? Is God stating we shouldn’t have any images at all, like the images we see of Jesus in churches? And what about the people who portray Jesus in biblical movies?

Q&A question: About Graven Images & Biblical Actors

Exodus 20 Exodus 20:4 Jesus Exodus 20 Exodus 20:4
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

How to Respond to Unbiblical Statements: I was wondering of a kind way to correct people who just say "God just wants me to be happy.”

Q&A question: How to Respond to Unbiblical Statements
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

Can Disobedience Thwart God’s Promises?: If God gives us a promise, could His promise be dependent on our obedience, and could we veto a promise either by our actions or by our unwillingness to receive? Please elaborate on Romans 4:13-15.

Q&A question: Can Disobedience Thwart God’s Promises?

Romans 4 Romans 4
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the Perpetual Virginity of Mary: What are your thoughts on the Protoevangelium of James? Does it support the perpetual virginity of Mary?

Q&A question: About the Perpetual Virginity of Mary

James James angels
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the phrase “Son of Perdition”: What is the Greek meaning of “Son of Perdition”? Is it a specific person, or a general statement?

Q&A question: About the phrase “Son of Perdition”
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

Should Atheist Arguments Concern Us?: Should we be concerned about counterarguments that atheists and skeptics present to our faith?

Q&A question: Should Atheist Arguments Concern Us?

atheism
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

Is “Praying the Gay Away” Biblical?: Is “praying the gay away” wrong? It seems biblical to me.

Q&A question: Is “Praying the Gay Away” Biblical?

homosexuality
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

Am I Rightly or Wrongly Judging?: How do I know if I have a judgmental attitude toward someone or an honest concern about their sin?

Q&A question: Am I Rightly or Wrongly Judging?
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-23

About the Woman Caught in Adultery Passage: It's said that the story from John 7: 53 to 8: 11 isn't found in the earlier manuscripts. It's one of my favorite pictures of God's grace. What do you think about how we should deal with this?

Q&A question: About the Woman Caught in Adultery Passage

John 7 John 7
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

About the 153 Fish in John: In John 21, it is written that Peter caught 153 "large fish" and that "although there were so many, the net was not torn." Is there a message or theme John was conveying here?

Q&A question: About the 153 Fish in John

John 21 Peter John 21
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

About Asking for Forgiveness/Mark of the Beast: A popular internet ministry says Jesus never said we need to ask for forgiveness and the Bible doesn’t mention it. Is that true? They also say it’s impossible for a Christian to take mark of the beast. Is that true?

Q&A question: About Asking for Forgiveness/Mark of the Beast

Jesus forgiveness
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