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All (182) Mike Winger (182)
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-14

Problem of evil as the strongest argument for atheism: suffering and evil as evidence (not logical disproof) against God's existence

Discussion of atheist arguments

problem of evil Cameron Bertuzzi logical problem of evil
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-14

Definition of atheism debate: classical (affirming God does not exist) vs. modern redefinition as "lack of belief" to avoid burden of proof

Q&A question from Isaiah Armstrong about the definition of atheism

atheism epistemology burden of proof
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-14

Q&A: Most atheist arguments are refutations rather than positive cases for atheism — is that a problem?

Q&A question from Benjamin Rush about the asymmetry of atheist argumentation

burden of proof intellectual honesty skepticism
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-27

Boghossian redefines atheism to make it a claim about evidence rather than a position about God's existence

Mike turns to the second major redefinition in chapter 2

Atheism A Manual for Creating Atheists Peter Boghossian
Mike Winger idea 2019-03-27

Guest John explains why the SE questioning tactic is effective but potentially manipulative: it exploits inability to articulate beliefs under surprise

Video clip from guest John (from "What Do You Mean?")

Street Epistemology Psychological manipulation Socratic method
Mike Winger idea 2019-04-10

Jesus healed the paralytic to provide evidence for his authority to forgive sins — faith is evidence-based

Biblical example of evidence-based faith

forgiveness of sins paralytic lowered through roof faith grounded in evidence
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-01

David Hume's confirmation bias: he used the prior improbability of miracles to refuse even examining the evidence

Mike connects Hume's philosophical approach to the confirmation bias critique (Problem 3).

David Hume Christopher Hitchens Miracles
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-01

Q&A: How to deal with coworkers who want proof of God's existence — resources recommended

Viewer (law enforcement officer) asks how to engage atheist coworkers.

Isaiah 53 Psalm 22 William Lane Craig Isaiah 53 Psalm 22
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-15

Genesis 26:5 does not prove Abraham kept the Law of Moses

Response to a Hebrew Roots proof text about Abraham

Deuteronomy 5:2 Genesis 26:5 Abraham 119 Ministries Deuteronomy 5:2
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-15

Exodus 12:49 does not teach that all Gentiles were under the Mosaic Law—it refers to resident aliens within Israel

Response to a Hebrew Roots proof text about Gentiles and the Law

Exodus 12:49 Hebrew Roots movement Gentiles and the Law Exodus 12:49
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-15

Q&A: 1 John 3:4 — "sin is lawlessness" refers to transgression of God's commands broadly, not specifically the Law of Moses

Response to a Hebrew Roots proof text

1 John 3:4 1 John 3:4 anomia lawlessness
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-15

Apostles were willing to die repeatedly for the resurrection—this demonstrates sincerity without needing proof they were offered a final recantation option

Brief apologetics note on the resurrection and martyrdom argument

resurrection apologetics apostolic martyrdom
Mike Winger idea 2019-05-16

Predictive prophecy as criterion for divine inspiration

Jonathan McLatchie explains how the Bible itself uses predictive prophecy as a criterion for identifying divine inspiration.

Deuteronomy 18 Isaiah 41:21-24 Deuteronomy 18 divine inspiration predictive prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2019-06-19

Analogy: Parallel details in the B-29 Empire State Building crash (1945) and 9/11 do not mean 9/11 was copied — you need a causal connection

Illustrating that parallel details alone prove nothing without demonstrating causal connection

historicity of Jesus argument from analogy dying and rising gods
Mike Winger idea 2019-06-26

1 Corinthians 13:10-12 is the primary cessationist proof-text in the cessationism vs. continuationism debate.

Introduction to the episode. Winger frames the central question: does 1 Cor 13:10-12 teach that tongues, prophecy, and knowledge ceased after the apostolic era?

1 Corinthians 13:10-12 cessationism continuationism spiritual gifts
Mike Winger idea 2019-06-26

Many cessationists themselves discourage using 1 Cor 13 as a proof-text for cessationism because it does not yield the argument verse-by-verse.

Transitional observation before presenting the second, more sophisticated cessationist argument from the Masters Seminary.

John MacArthur 1 Corinthians 13 John MacArthur cessationism 1 Corinthians 13
Mike Winger idea 2019-06-26

Personal testimony: Winger reports a small number of personal experiences he believes were genuine prophetic insights that subsequently proved true.

Winger offers experiential (not dogmatic) support for remaining open to the gifts.

continuationism spiritual gifts prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2019-07-24

Trinitarian harmony used as a theological trump card to override clear Scripture texts

Mike plays clips from White's video to demonstrate how Trinitarian harmony functions rhetorically in Calvinist argumentation.

James White James White limited atonement Trinitarian harmony in the atonement
Mike Winger idea 2019-07-24

Response to Trinitarian harmony #1: it assumes a single, limited intention for each person of the Trinity without scriptural proof

First of Mike's in-principle objections to the Trinitarian harmony argument.

Trinity election limited atonement
Mike Winger idea 2019-07-24

1 Timothy 2:1-6 — God desires all people to be saved; Christ gave himself as ransom for all

Mike's central proof-text for the Father's universal salvific intention.

1 Timothy 2:1-6 unlimited atonement universal salvific will 1 Timothy 2:1-6
Mike Winger idea 2019-08-07

Q&A: Acts 13:48 — 'appointed to eternal life' and the election/free will question

Viewer asks about the Calvinist proof text in Acts 13:48.

Acts 13:48 election Calvinism Molinism
Mike Winger idea 2019-10-02

Q&A: Is the God of Islam the same as the God of Christianity?

Viewer question from Kaeleen van Konan

Islam apologetics comparative religion
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-29

1 John 5:9-10: the witness of God is greater than the witness of men; believers have it in themselves

Biblical grounding for the epistemological framework; key proof text for the witness of the Spirit

1 John 5:9-10 testimony epistemology witness of the Holy Spirit
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-29

Closing exhortation: trust the Spirit's witness for your own confidence; use evidence to invite others to seek the Lord

Summary and call to application, including a direct appeal to non-believing viewers

evangelism apologetics knowing vs. showing
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-28

Proverbs 16:4 is a text that theological grids are read INTO, not a proof text for either Calvinist determinism or open theism

Question from Tobias about whether Proverbs 16:4 suggests God predestined the wicked for condemnation.

Proverbs 16:4 hermeneutics Molinism middle knowledge
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-18

Mark 16:17-18 — the signs follow believers as a community/historically, not as individual mandates for every Christian

Question from Chretienis about Mark 16:17-18 and helping people escape the prosperity gospel.

Mark 16:17-18 Acts 28 textual criticism healing prosperity gospel
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-25

Personal testimony: as a teenager Mike was told he was not saved because he had not spoken in tongues

Opening introduction before answering the first question about tongues and salvation

gifts of the Spirit tongues and salvation spiritual abuse
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-25

Summary: the three Acts tongues episodes demonstrate the Spirit's work in different stages, not universal salvation proof

Summation of the main argument against tongues-required-for-salvation

Acts 10 Acts 2 Acts 19 Acts 10 Acts 2 Acts 19
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-02

Advice for young ministers: teach verse-by-verse through whole books rather than purely topical studies

Question from Andrej Pollock about practical advice for a young man called to ministry in a small church

Galatians Galatians preaching methodology verse-by-verse teaching
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-23

Jehovah's Witnesses New World Translation renders John 1:1c as "a god" rather than "God"

Mike opens the episode by addressing the JW translation of John 1:1 before taking live questions.

John 1:1 Trinity Jehovah's Witnesses New World Translation
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-06

Paul's snakebite in Acts is a fulfillment of divine protection -- validating the gospel message, not a prescription

Mike gives a concrete Acts example for the serpent-handling promise

Acts 28 Paul signs and wonders Acts 28
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-06

Socratic approach for witnessing to Mormons about pre-mortal existence: let them make their case first

Responding to Alexander Duncan's question about addressing Mormon belief in pre-mortal existence

Mormonism apologetics pre-mortal existence
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

Church fathers are routinely quoted out of context to proof-text doctrines — Gustaf Aulén's Christus Victor is a prime example, misrepresenting patristic sources to argue against penal substitutionary atonement.

Warning about the misuse of the church fathers in theological argument.

Proof-texting Church Fathers Patristics
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-18

Practical guidance on reading church fathers: read whole works from start to finish rather than isolated quotes — this prevents the proof-texting problem the same way it prevents biblical proof-texting.

How to read the church fathers responsibly.

Proof-texting Hermeneutics Church Fathers
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-29

Book of Life: names blotted out -- the phrase is too non-specific to resolve the eternal security debate

Question from Paul Redding about how one is written into or blotted out of the Book of Life.

Revelation Hebrews warning passages Revelation once saved always saved eternal security
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-05

How to see God as a loving father: filter feelings about God through Scripture, especially Romans 5:8 — God loved us while we were sinners.

Question from Kaisu (Finland) about feeling that God is indifferent or impatient with her.

Romans 5:8 Ephesians 1 Hebrews 4 God's love Romans 5:8 Ephesians 1
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-12

John wrote Revelation as a vision, not personal reflection — explains silence on Temple destruction; late dating supported by majority of scholars

Mike responds to why Revelation does not mention the Temple destruction.

Revelation Revelation dating John the Apostle Revelation burden of proof preterism
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Demonic activity in first century as messianic confirmation and spiritual battleground

Jesus's authority over demons served as a sign to the Jews confirming his messianic identity; the concentration of demonic opposition is explained by Satan's forces mobilizing against the Son of God.

Gerasene demoniac Satan spiritual warfare
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Romans 9:20-23 — the potter/clay passage as Calvinist proof-text on election

Romans 9 is the parallel passage using the same potter/clay imagery but in a different theological context — election and salvation, not Christian conduct.

Romans 9:20-23 election Calvinism total depravity
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

The still small voice (1 Kings 19) is not a model for seeking God through hints and whispers

Common proof-text for listening prayer misapplied.

1 Kings 19 spiritual disciplines still small voice listening prayer
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Proper Bible study: identify what the text meant to the original audience before asking how to apply it; context prevents proof-texting.

Question from Natural Glory about how to study the Bible properly.

Proof-texting Hermeneutics Original audience interpretation
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-22

Protecting against false doctrine without a complete Bible knowledge: read in context and check the text

Katie, a newly saved teen (about 10 months old in the faith), asked how to guard against false teaching when she has not yet read the entire Bible.

Romans proof-texting discernment false teaching
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-26

Matthew 7:13-14 — the narrow gate refers to the demanding and counter-cultural teachings of Christ, not to a works-salvation effort; few receive it because most reject it.

Jilly Bean from Finland asks what the narrow gate means in practice.

Matthew 7:13-14 discipleship salvation Sermon on the Mount
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Why was Zechariah punished for his question about John's birth, but Mary was not punished for asking the same type of question?

Question from Terry Defilo about Luke 1:18 (Zechariah) vs. Luke 1:34 (Mary) and the apparent inconsistency.

John the Baptist Luke 1:18 Luke 1:34 Mary John the Baptist Luke 1:18
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

The Mandela Effect cannot explain the disciples' confidence in the resurrection

Hypothetical question from Ethan Hawking about whether the Mandela Effect could account for disciples' resurrection belief.

1 Corinthians 15 1 Corinthians 15 Apologetics Burden of proof
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

Hebrews 12:6 uses "scourges" (from the Septuagint of Proverbs 3:12) to describe God's fatherly discipline; the intensified language is contextually appropriate fatherly correction, not brutal punishment.

Q6 from Stephanie: Hebrews 12:5-6 quotes Proverbs 3:11-12 but ends with "scourge" — why does it imply God brutally whips every believer?

Hebrews 12:5-6 Proverbs 3:11-12 Septuagint (LXX) Hebrews 12:5-6 Proverbs 3:11-12
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 2021-03-19

How to determine transcultural vs. culturally-bound biblical instructions

Anonymous listener (username: "hi pastor mike") asks how to distinguish timeless biblical commands from culturally-specific ones.

Ephesians Acts 15 Ephesians Acts 15 Proof-texting
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-04

Q: Evidence for the virgin birth? Not as strong as resurrection evidence, but that's okay — not every doctrine needs the same burden of proof. Mike believes it because Scripture teaches it. The argument chain: resurrection → inspiration of Scripture → virgin birth. The central claim (resurrection) carries the secondary claims.

Q&A — evidence for the virgin birth

virgin birth inspiration of Scripture virgin birth
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-04

Q: Would God ever order a killing (like the Canaanites)? Yes. God has the moral right to give and take life as Creator. The death penalty in the OT shows justified killing. When God commands killing, it's on his authority — normally it would be murder, but divine command transforms the moral status. The burden is on those who claim God could never do this under any circumstances.

Q&A — God commanding killing in the OT

divine command death penalty Canaanite conquest
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