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All (306) Mike Winger (306)
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-18

Q&A: Is biblical numerology nonsense? Distinction between symbolic numbers and predictive numerological systems

Question from Jessie Swanger.

hermeneutics numerology biblical symbolism
Mike Winger idea 2018-01-24

Joseph Smith is the founder and first prophet of Mormonism, and his revelations form the doctrinal basis of the faith.

Background on Joseph Smith before quoting him directly from the King Follett sermon.

Mormonism prophetic authority Joseph Smith
Mike Winger idea 2018-01-24

The King Follett Sermon: delivered April 7, 1844 at a funeral with ~20,000 present; Joseph Smith claimed to speak under inspiration to 'all ye ends of the earth.'

Mike introduces the King Follett Sermon as the primary documentary source for Mormon theology about the nature of God.

Joseph Smith King Follett Sermon prophetic inspiration
Mike Winger idea 2018-01-24

Q&A: Most Mormons are not convinced by intellectual arguments — they are committed emotionally through 'testimony,' an emotionally validated belief experience.

Viewer question: 'What would Mike suggest to say to a Mormon to convince them that Christianity is truth?'

epistemology Mormon testimony burning in the bosom
Mike Winger idea 2018-01-24

Q&A: The LDS church is already beginning to change its doctrine — prioritizing organizational health over theological integrity, which started with polygamy and race issues.

Viewer question from 'Rob Donahue': Will the Utah LDS church change its doctrine due to the information age?

LDS doctrinal evolution LDS polygamy LDS and race
Mike Winger idea 2018-01-24

The LDS church is quietly distancing itself from past presidential statements and Journal of Discourses rather than formally changing doctrine — 'plausible deniability.'

Mike explains the mechanism by which Mormonism is changing: not reforming doctrine but retreating from its sources.

Pearl of Great Price Book of Mormon Doctrine and Covenants
Mike Winger idea 2018-03-28

Parallel accounts of ascension or resurrection in other ancient figures would not lower Mike's confidence in Jesus's resurrection because of the evidential asymmetry

Q&A — Cam Spears's question about whether pre-Christian resurrection/ascension stories would lower confidence

resurrection comparative religion evidential standards
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-29

Psalm 22: David was not a prophet? Mike rebuts and notes Psalm 22 clearly speaks of future events

Ra argues Psalm 22 is not messianic because (1) David was not a prophet, (2) the Psalms are in the 'writings' section not the 'prophets,' and (3) David never experienced anything like what's described

Psalm 22 Messianic prophecy Psalm 22 David as prophet
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-11

Reason 5 affirmed and answered: Fulfilled prophecy is the correct test for biblical inspiration, and the Bible passes it

The skeptic argues that an inspired Bible would contain specific, verifiable prophecies — but calls biblical prophecies 'feeble in the extreme.'

Ezekiel Matthew 24 fulfilled prophecy Ezekiel Matthew 24
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-11

Q&A: Matthew 2:23 — which prophet foretold Jesus would be called a Nazarene?

Viewer question about a fulfilled prophecy citation in Matthew that has no clear Old Testament source.

Isaiah Matthew 2:23 fulfilled prophecy Isaiah Matthew 2:23
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Introduction: the topic is eschatology and the 'failed apocalyptic prophet' charge against Jesus

Mike opens the livestream, signals the depth of preparation, and identifies the central question driving the stream.

eschatology failed apocalyptic prophet charge Bertrand Russell
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Five key Jesus sayings that appear to predict an imminent second coming

Mike quotes the specific texts that drive the 'failed prophet' accusation before addressing them.

Mark 13:30 Luke 21:32 Matthew 10:23 Mark 13:30 Luke 21:32 Matthew 10:23
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Preterism as one response to the 'failed prophet' problem

Mike introduces preterism as the main alternative to his own futurist interpretation, with no intent to attack preterists.

preterism full preterism partial preterism
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Pedagogical approach: encourage critical engagement with the text regardless of prior view

Mike sets expectations for how viewers should engage the teaching.

Bible study methodology critical engagement text over tradition
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Partial and total fulfillment: Mike's interpretive framework for prophecy

Mike presents the first of two key background concepts before diving into Mark 13.

Isaiah 7:14 partial and total fulfillment prophetic fulfillment Elijah typology
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem and the temple as historical context for Mark 13

Mike presents the second background concept: the historical event that is clearly in view in the Olivet Discourse.

AD 70 destruction of the temple Jerusalem sacked
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Mark 13:1-4 — the disciples' question is bigger than just the temple's destruction

Opening the Mark 13 study; Mike notes the scope of what the disciples are actually asking.

Mark 13:1-4 Mark 13:1-4 temple destruction Olivet Discourse
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Mark 13:5-8 — Jesus opens with a long delay, not an imminent return

Mike reads Mark 13:5-8 and shows that Jesus' first response to the disciples' question is to signal delay and warn against false alarms.

Mark 13:5-8 Mark 13:5-8 false Christs wars and rumors of wars
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Mark 13:9-13 — the disciples' calling is faithful witness unto death, not watching for signs

Mike reads the persecution section of Mark 13 and draws out its theological implication for the disciples' posture.

Mark 13:9-13 Mark 13:9-13 persecution gospel to all nations
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Mark 13:14 — the abomination of desolation is the actual sign Jesus gives

The pivot point in Mark 13: Jesus shifts from describing the delay to identifying the one sign that signals his coming is truly near.

Mark 13:14 Mark 13:14 abomination of desolation sign of the end
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Abomination of desolation: Old Testament origin in Daniel and Antiochus Epiphanes as partial fulfillment

Point 1 and the partial/total fulfillment analysis of the abomination of desolation.

Daniel 9:27 Daniel 11:31 Daniel 12:11 partial and total fulfillment abomination of desolation Daniel 9:27
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Four key points about the abomination of desolation in Mark 13

Mike summarizes his four-point analysis of what the abomination of desolation means for interpreting Mark 13.

Mark 13:14 Mark 13:14 abomination of desolation let the reader understand
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Mark 13:15-23 — unparalleled tribulation: Mike takes Jesus at his word, not hyperbole

Mike reads the tribulation section and defends a literal reading against those who dismiss it as exaggeration.

Mark 13:15-23 Mark 13:15-23 great tribulation R.C. Sproul
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Mark 13:24-27 — the visible, unmistakable return of Christ after the tribulation

Mike reads the cosmic-sign and Second Coming section of Mark 13.

Revelation 1:7 Mark 13:24-27 Revelation 1:7 Mark 13:24-27 visible second coming
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Mark 13:28-31 — the fig tree parable and 'this generation' interpreted as the generation that sees the signs

Mike addresses the key contested phrase 'this generation will not pass away.'

Mark 13:28-31 this generation Mark 13:28-31 fig tree parable
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Mark 13:32-37 — no one knows the day or hour; the command is perpetual alertness

Mike reconciles the specific sign and generation statement with the 'no one knows' declaration.

Mark 13:32-37 no one knows the day or hour Mark 13:32-37 watchfulness
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Mark 13 synthesis: Jesus taught a long delay, not an imminent return

Mike draws the interpretive conclusion from the whole of Mark 13 before moving to Luke 21.

Mark 13 synthesis Olivet Discourse Mark 13 synthesis long delay
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Luke 21:5-19 — parallel to Mark 13: delay, persecutions, not-yet signs

Mike moves to Luke 21 and shows the parallel structure confirming the same interpretive logic.

Luke 21:5-19 Luke 21:5-19 Olivet Discourse Luke delay signal in Luke
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Luke 21:20-24 — Jerusalem surrounded by armies: partial fulfillment in AD 70, not the abomination of desolation

Key difference between Mark and Luke: Luke gives a different 'sign' — armies surrounding Jerusalem, which Mike connects to AD 70, not the final abomination.

Luke 21:20-24 Romans 11 fullness of Gentiles Matthew 3:15 Luke 21:20-24 armies surrounding Jerusalem AD 70 partial fulfillment
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Temple Mount still controlled by non-Jewish Arabs — possible ongoing 'trampling by Gentiles'

Mike applies the 'times of the Gentiles' concept to the contemporary geopolitical situation.

times of the Gentiles Temple Mount Israel 1948
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Holding eschatological views with appropriate grip: core gospel vs. peripheral doctrines

Mike pauses to address his hermeneutical and pastoral posture toward disagreement on eschatology.

doctrinal triage gospel essentials eschatological humility
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Luke 21:25-28 — cosmic signs and visible coming after the times of the Gentiles

After the 'times of the Gentiles' pause, Jesus gives the cosmic-sign sequence leading to his coming in Luke 21.

Luke 21:25-28 Revelation cosmic signs cosmic signs Luke 21:25-28 second coming in Luke
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Luke 21:29-36 — 'this generation' in Luke: the generation that sees the signs, not the first century

Mike applies the same interpretive logic to the 'this generation' phrase in Luke as in Mark.

Luke 21:29-36 this generation Luke 21:29-36 fig tree parable Luke
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Matthew 24:1-3 — disciples explicitly ask about the end of the age, confirming the larger scope

Mike turns to Matthew 24 and highlights what Matthew adds to the parallel accounts.

Matthew 24:1-3 Matthew 24:1-3 end of the age disciples' question in Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Why is the temple's destruction in AD 70 discussed alongside the second coming? Similar events bracket both

Mike addresses the structural question of why Jesus weaves AD 70 and the Second Coming together.

AD 70 and second coming weaved together rebuilt future temple partial and total fulfillment structure
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Matthew 24-25 parables all emphasize a long delay before the master returns

Mike identifies a pattern in the four consecutive parables following the Olivet Discourse proper.

Matthew 24:45-51 Matthew 25:1-13 Matthew 25:14-30 Matthew 24:45-51 Matthew 25:1-13 Matthew 25:14-30
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Acts 1:6-8 — Jesus does not promise imminence at the ascension; redirects disciples to mission

Mike cites a post-resurrection passage that confirms the same pattern: unknown timing, mission focus.

Acts 1:6-8 ascension Acts 1:6-8 kingdom restoration timing
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Matthew 10:23 — 'Son of Man coming' refers to Jesus arriving in the towns during the limited sending mission, not the second coming

Mike addresses the specific verse R.C. Sproul cites as evidence for an expected first-century return.

Matthew 10:23 Matthew 11:1 Matthew 10:5 contextual interpretation Matthew 10:23 R.C. Sproul
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Matthew 16:28 — 'some will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom' fulfilled at the Transfiguration

Mike addresses the final major verse used to support an imminent second-coming expectation.

Matthew 16:28 Mark 9:1 Matthew 17 Matthew 16:28 Mark 9:1 Transfiguration
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Q&A: How Mike researches a topic — gather all passages, study independently first, then read disagreeing opinions

Viewer Chris Buckland asks about Mike's research methodology.

Bible study methodology R.C. Sproul research process
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Q&A: Bar Kokhba rebellion as evidence against preterism — events worse than AD 70 occurred after it

Viewer William Williams raises the Bar Kokhba revolt as a counter to the preterist claim that AD 70 was the worst event in history.

Bar Kokhba rebellion preterism rebuttal great tribulation historicity
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Q&A: Division over the rapture — what to disagree about and why Christians shouldn't divide over it

Viewer Joshua Rivera asks about the extent of rapture disagreement.

1 Thessalonians Christian unity doctrinal triage rapture
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Q&A: Hebrew wedding tradition and 'only the Father knows the day' — Mike is curious but wants historical verification

Viewer William Williams asks about the Hebrew wedding tradition parallel to the Son not knowing the day.

Acts 1:6-8 no one knows the day or hour Acts 1:6-8 Hebrew wedding tradition
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Q&A: Is belief in Jesus' death and resurrection sufficient for salvation?

Viewer Adrian asks a basic soteriological question.

James 2 salvation James 2 dead faith
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Q&A: Mike's current position on rapture timing — hasn't yet settled it to his own standard

Viewer question about pre-tribulation rapture.

rapture timing pre-tribulation rapture inherited theology
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Q&A: Does the abomination of desolation require a rebuilt temple? Yes — based on Daniel 11-12

Viewer Martin Gradwell argues the temple is our bodies and thus no physical rebuild is required.

Daniel 11 Daniel 12 Daniel 11 Daniel 12 rebuilt temple
Mike Winger idea 2018-04-25

Upcoming event: speaking at 'Witnesses Now for Jesus' West Coast Conference about witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses

Mike shares an upcoming ministry engagement.

Jehovah's Witnesses Witnesses Now for Jesus evangelism to cults
Mike Winger idea 2018-08-22

CoG leaders are motivated by power, money, and worship — the group targets wealthy Americans and sends members on pilgrimages to Korea to venerate Zhang Gil-ja

Q&A about what leaders gain. Based on testimony of a former member who traveled to Korea.

World Mission Society Church of God Zhang Gil-ja false prophet
Mike Winger idea 2018-09-05

Matthew 16 / Mark 9 / Luke 9 — 'Some standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom' refers to the Transfiguration, not the Second Coming.

Ra claims Jesus predicted his imminent return and was proven a false prophet because all disciples are now dead.

Luke 9 Matthew 16 Mark 9 Jesus Luke 9 Matthew 16
Mike Winger idea 2018-09-05

Prophecy has multiple functions: some is short-term (credentialing for contemporaries), some long-term (evidence for distant generations), some purely theological.

Winger extends the criteria discussion to explain why ancient prophets gave both near and far predictions.

hermeneutics Bible prophecy inspiration of Scripture