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Mike Winger idea 2020-10-19

Jesus redirects from taxes to the image of God — you bear God's image, so you belong to God. For the Christian, there is no separation between religion and politics; being a Christian IS the lens through which you engage all of life.

The image of God as the foundational political principle

image of God image of God render to Caesar
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

A controversy exists in NT scholarship over whether gospel authors used "literary devices" from Greco-Roman biography that allowed them to change facts. Dr. Lydia McGrew argues against this; Mike Licona argues for it.

Introduction to the literary devices controversy with Dr. Lydia McGrew

Mike Licona Mike Licona Lydia McGrew
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-22

Positive evidence FOR gospel reliability: consistent personality of Jesus across Gospels, unexplained allusions (John 7 — Jesus quotes a scripture nobody can identify), unnecessary realistic details, and the absence of realistic fiction as a genre in the first century.

McGrew's positive case for the reportage model

John 7 undesigned coincidences Lydia McGrew John 7
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

Du Toit systematically changes key gospel texts: John 1:12 ("become children of God" → you're already God's offspring), John 3:3 (born again → you were already born from above), John 3:18 (condemned already → under your own self-judgment).

Specific examples of the Mirror Bible inverting gospel texts

John 1:12 John 3:3 John 3:7 born again John 1:12 John 3:3
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

Du Toit changes "forgiveness" to "I am-ness" and teaches that the Trinity has four circles (Father, Son, you/me, Holy Spirit). Jesus didn't die to save us from sin but from a wrong mindset. Hell is "just a pathway to heaven."

The Mirror Bible's broader theological distortions

John 17:7 Mirror Bible Mirror Bible François Du Toit
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

The Mirror Bible is endorsed by John Crowder ("toking the holy ghost") and William Paul Young (author of The Shack, later a universalist). It's part of a broader movement: progressive Christianity, hyper-charismatic theology, and universal salvation all pushing the same direction.

Endorsers and broader context of the Mirror Bible

John Crowder Mirror Bible Mirror Bible John Crowder
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-29

The historical problem of racism in the US is genuinely appalling — race is a social construct invented to justify white dominance, US chattel slavery was predicated on the anti-gospel act of man-stealing, and legalized racism lasted ~340 years (1619-1964).

Honest accounting of US racial history before critiquing CRT

1 Timothy 1:10 Acts 17:26 1 Timothy 1:10 racism history US Acts 17:26
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 2020-11-02

The death penalty is clearly supported by Scripture. Genesis 9:5-6 — given to ALL humanity (not just Israel) — establishes capital punishment for murder based on the image of God: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed."

The foundational biblical case for the death penalty from Genesis 9

Genesis 9:5-6 image of God image of God capital punishment
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

Objections answered: (1) Jesus's "turn the other cheek" refutes personal vengeance, not governmental justice; (2) David's pardon is a divine exception, not a rule; (3) John 8 (woman in adultery) was a mob, not a court — and the passage is textually questionable.

Responding to objections against the death penalty

John 8 woman adultery Matthew 5 eye for eye death penalty John 8 woman adultery Matthew 5 eye for eye
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

Jesus identifies TWO problems with the Sadducees: they don't know the Scriptures AND they don't know the power of God. He then proves resurrection FROM the Pentateuch — their own strongest ground — using Exodus 3:6 ("I am the God of Abraham").

Jesus's response: two rebukes and the burning bush argument for resurrection

Mark 12:18-27 Exodus 3:6 resurrection resurrection marriage in heaven
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-04

In Mark 12:35-37, Jesus asks a riddle about Psalm 110:1 — if the Messiah is David's son, why does David call him "Lord"? Jesus is challenging the LIMITED christology that the Messiah is merely a human descendant of David.

Mark Series pt 50: Jesus's question about Christ and David from Psalm 110

Psalm 110:1 Mark 12:35-37 Mark series deity of Christ Psalm 110:1 Mark 12:35-37
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-04

Jesus will not allow a limited Christology — the Messiah is not just the son of David but God Himself. Mark supports this throughout: Isaiah 40:3 applied to Jesus (Yahweh's coming), Jesus walking on water (quoting Job where God walks on water), the demoniac telling what "the Lord/Jesus" did.

Building the case for the deity of Christ from Mark 12:35-37 and the broader Gospel of Mark

Psalm 110:1 Isaiah 9:1-2 deity of Christ Psalm 110:1 Isaiah 9:1-2
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

Fight sin at its earliest stage — Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount that the beginning state of sin (lust, anger) is already where you've lost the fight. Draw personal boundaries far from the sin, not close.

Q9: How to fight the temptation to lust?

Matthew 5 Matthew Jesus Matthew 5 Matthew
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

Where was Daniel when the three were thrown into the fire? Unknown — possibly on a trip, ill, or exempt from the order for some reason. The text simply doesn't say.

Q11: Where was Daniel during the fiery furnace?

Daniel Daniel NAR
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Does Modalism Jeopardize Salvation?: Does modalism lead to other fallacies? If someone believes in Christ except they don’t believe that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each distinct, could their salvation be in jeopardy?

Q&A question: Does Modalism Jeopardize Salvation?

salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-28

Can we find Proof of Jesus’ Existence?: I heard there are more proofs that Jesus is a real person than there are for people like King Tut, etc. is this true? If so, is there somewhere I can go to find those proofs?

Q&A question: Can we find Proof of Jesus’ Existence?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

About the Age of Accountability: Does Numbers 14: 29 give us any biblical reason to believe the age of accountability to be 20? In Numbers 14: 18-19 Moses pleads with God, and God pardons the sins of the children 19 and younger.

Q&A question: About the Age of Accountability

Moses
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

About the Lord’s Supper during Covid: In my church, holy communion is postponed because of the measures surrounding Covid. Drinking from one cup is not possible. To justify this, they use Joshua 5:1-8. Is this biblical reasoning?

Q&A question: About the Lord’s Supper during Covid

communion
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Can we Compare Jesus & the Tree of Life?: What's your view on the comparison between Jesus and the Tree of Life? It came to me in a dream, and I googled it and found that it was exclusively an Orthodox belief.

Q&A question: Can we Compare Jesus & the Tree of Life?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Are a Person’s Days Determined?: Job 14:5 says a person's days are determined, yet in Isaiah 38, God extends Hezekiah’s life. It almost seems that with enough prayer & faith, we can persuade God to change His mind. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Are a Person’s Days Determined?

Isaiah Isaiah prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

What does your personal time with God look like, Mike? How do you differentiate it from your study time?

Q&A question

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

About being Used by God in our Lives: I see others being used by God, and I want to be used too. Because of this, I often struggle with envy, jealousy, & comparison. How would you encourage & help me grow past this sin?

Q&A question: About being Used by God in our Lives

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation: Does God really love me, and am I really saved? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but I am still sinful and I struggle with sin. However, it seems that God answers my prayers. Am I really saved?

Q&A question: Assurance of God’s Love & Salvation

Jesus salvation prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

Are the Son & Spirit Extensions of the Father?: What would you say to people who say that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are mere extensions of the one God, the Father?

Q&A question: Are the Son & Spirit Extensions of the Father?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-16

What is a Biblical Perspective on Anointing for Today?: Can you explain “anointing” in the Bible and what the NT application is for believers? I've heard phrases like "That song/speaker is anointed" or "the anointing is in the room." Is this correct?

Q&A question: What is a Biblical Perspective on Anointing for Today?

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 2021-07-30

MW’s Personal Experience Witnessing: Could you share your most memorable experience in leading someone to the Lord?

Q&A question: MW’s Personal Experience Witnessing

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

Is Yahweh Only the Father’s Name?: Some people I know say Yahweh is the name of the whole Trinity combined. I thought Yahweh was only the name of the Father (like how Jesus is the name of the Son). What are your thoughts?

Q&A question: Is Yahweh Only the Father’s Name?

Trinity Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

Some Great Wisdom for Us: What’s the greatest lesson of wisdom you’ve learned as you’ve matured in your faith?

Q&A question: Some Great Wisdom for Us

Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

Is it Fair that Some People are Born in Unbelieving Areas?: How is it just that because a person is born in a specific region in the world, that they are more likely to follow the traditions and religion they are raised in and end up going to hell?

Q&A question: Is it Fair that Some People are Born in Unbelieving Areas?

hell
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

Who was the 4th Person in the Furnace in Daniel 3?: Referring to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel, who was the fourth person in the furnace? Is this OT evidence of Christ?

Q&A question: Who was the 4th Person in the Furnace in Daniel 3?

Daniel Daniel 3 Daniel Daniel 3 NAR
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

About the Timing of our Death: Are our deaths appointed to us in both time and manner? If a person dies being hit by a car on the corner of Times Square, was it always going to end that way?

Q&A question: About the Timing of our Death

death and afterlife
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

How to Handle Online-Only Congregants: How should churches handle their local online only congregants? This is a big dilemma in my church's leadership right now. (Let's assume that it is safe to return to in-person church.)

Q&A question: How to Handle Online-Only Congregants

Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

What does “Turn the Other Cheek” Mean?: In the Bible, it says to “turn the other cheek.” Does that mean no one is supposed to be punished, except by God? (Meaning we shouldn't have prisons or protect ourselves and loved ones.)

Q&A question: What does “Turn the Other Cheek” Mean?

Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

The Deity of the Holy Spirit: I was wondering if the Bible mentions that the Holy Spirit was in the beginning with God the Father and the Son, and where is the Holy Spirit said to be God?

Q&A question: The Deity of the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

Do you Know of any Biblical Marriage Songs?: I write lyrics for songs and I'm wondering if there are any marriage songs based on biblical theology. I spent years writing one to my wife and it still doesn't work. Looking for examples to follow.

Q&A question: Do you Know of any Biblical Marriage Songs?

marriage
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-02

About being “In Christ” in Paul’s Letters: In Paul’s prison letters, he uses the phrases “in him, in Christ, and in whom.” He seems to use these a lot in Ephesians 1, but also uses them in Philippians and Colossians. What does it mean?

Q&A question: About being “In Christ” in Paul’s Letters

Ephesians 1 Philip Philippi Ephesians 1
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Help for Maintaining a Godly Attitude: The Lord has blessed me tremendously in life. I love Him & want to please Him! But for some reason (& I have no excuse) I find it really hard to have a calm, grateful, God-honoring attitude. I'm easily irritated & find myself complaining about little things constantly, especially when I don't get my way or experience a minor inconvenience. I'm ashamed of this & don't want my attitude to be this way but I can't seem to change.

Q&A question: Help for Maintaining a Godly Attitude

Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

About the Trinity & God’s Attributes: How can the three persons of the Trinity be distinct if they all have the same attributes (Omni-s) and their wills are the same?

Q&A question: About the Trinity & God’s Attributes

Trinity
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Can a Person be Beyond Repentance?: Can someone be beyond repentance as Esau was?

Q&A question: Can a Person be Beyond Repentance?

repentance
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-20

Should our Faith Make Sense?: Is Christianity a faith that should make sense, or is it just having the faith to believe? How can we believe if one person interprets the Bible this way and another the other way?

Q&A question: Should our Faith Make Sense?

hermeneutics
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

About Miracles & False Religions: You've said miracles in other religions are false signs from Satan. Why would other religions have reason to think these signs are from Satan? Couldn't a Muslim say the same thing to a Christian?

Q&A question: About Miracles & False Religions

Satan miracles Islam
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-27

Is it a Sin to Depict God?: I’m a new believer. I watched a Christian cartoon with my son, and it depicted God as a Santa-looking man. My son asked if we were breaking the 2nd commandment. Is it a sin to depict God in any way? (Exodus 20:4)

Q&A question: Is it a Sin to Depict God?

Exodus 20 Exodus 20:4 Exodus 20 Exodus 20:4
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

Will Psychopaths be Judged the Same?: It has recently been scientifically proven that many psychopaths have a physical brain alteration that doesn't allow their synapses to receive the neuron chemicals for emotions such as sympathy. Oftentimes, they become violent criminals or even murderers. Will they be judged by God the same as any other person, even though they have something physiologically wrong with them?

Q&A question: Will Psychopaths be Judged the Same?

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

What do Miracles/Healing Depend On?: If one were to pray over someone for a miracle or for healing, what would the chances of it working depend on? Jesus said that it depends on faith. Does it also depend on being a relatively righteous person?

Q&A question: What do Miracles/Healing Depend On?

Jesus miracles healing
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

Honesty vs. Kindness?: Where do you draw the line between honest communication about things that bother you about something someone does, and “dying to self” if the person is a very close friend/loved one/spouse?

Q&A question: Honesty vs. Kindness?

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

Jesus’ Deity & His Title of “Son of God”: If Jesus is God, then why do Paul and the Gospels often speak of them separately? What is the significant about the phrase "Son of God" being used for Jesus, since it is used for others, too?

Q&A question: Jesus’ Deity & His Title of “Son of God”

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-10

Is it Biblical? Jesus in our Hearts: Do we have "Jesus in our hearts" as believers? What about worship songs about Jesus in the room? John 16:5-10, Acts 1:9-11 and basically all of Revelation seems to say Jesus is in Heaven for now.

Q&A question: Is it Biblical? Jesus in our Hearts

revelation Acts 1 John 16 Jesus worship revelation
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

How to Biblically Grieve Painful Loss: My only son died from an overdose last year. I was angry at God and walked away from Him for a bit. I told Him “If I am to serve you, I want the real God.” Isaiah 43: 18-19 says to get over it. How do I get over it?

Q&A question: How to Biblically Grieve Painful Loss

Isaiah Isaiah