Search — Theology Explorer

Jeremiah Jeremiah 31 revelation Jeremiah Jeremiah 31 Jesus

Conscience before the New Covenant?: Based on Jeremiah 31: 33-34, did people before the New Covenant not have a conscience (innate knowledge of God and the ability to know right from wrong as we do now)? Based on the radical changes that Jesus and the Church brought to the world, and God seemingly needing to give people constant special revelation in the OT, could there be a case for this? Could the need for the cycle of sin-judgement-repentance/cry for help-deliverance be connected to this?

Q&A question: Conscience before the New Covenant?

1 John 2 John 16 1 John 2:1 Jesus Christ Jesus 1 John 2

About the Paraclete: John 16:7 says Paraclete is the Holy Spirit, and 1 John 2:1 says it is Jesus Christ. I cannot believe this is a mistranslation, so what is 1 John 2:1 talking about?

Q&A question: About the Paraclete

How to Evangelize at Work: What’s the best way to share the Gospel in the workplace? Is there a guide to sharing the Gospel that you keep to?

Q&A question: How to Evangelize at Work

angels

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

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

Exodus 20 Exodus 20:4 Exodus 20 Exodus 20:4

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?

Do those who Seek God Really Find Him?: The Bible says that those who diligently seek God will find Him. What about the Muslims, Hindus, and all the people who are diligently seeking God but never find Jesus and stay in their religion?

Q&A question: Do those who Seek God Really Find Him?

Jesus Islam

1 Corinthians 15 1 Corinthians 15:28 1 Corinthians 15 1 Corinthians 15:28 Trinity

Defending the Trinity in 1 Cor.: I believe in the Trinity, but there is someone who has used 1 Corinthians 15:28 against the doctrine. Could you please explain this for me?

Q&A question: Defending the Trinity in 1 Cor.

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

About the Moral Argument: My brother has a very biblical worldview despite being an agnostic (in terms of homosexuality and celibacy, etc.) based on science. How do I prove that morality comes from God?

Q&A question: About the Moral Argument

agnosticism homosexuality

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-03

Help During Trying Times of Doubt: Why can’t I trust Christ for complete forgiveness even though I fully believe every word in the Bible? Why won’t my heart allow me to enter salvation? Why doesn’t God seem to want to help me?

Q&A question: Help During Trying Times of Doubt

salvation forgiveness

About the Satanic Temple’s 7 Tenets: The Satanic Temple has been gaining popularity online due to their “7 tenets” they believe people should live by. Many people see these tenets as positive and morally good, and are being drawn into their organization as a result. What are your thoughts about this?

Q&A question: About the Satanic Temple’s 7 Tenets

Satan

When we Should and Shouldn’t Witness: How do we know when to speak up about the truth of Christ vs. when not to? I am grieved by what I see being claimed as “truth” today, but I don’t want to just sit back and say “I’m not supposed to judge.”

Q&A question: When we Should and Shouldn’t Witness

evangelism

revelation Acts 1 John 16 Jesus worship revelation

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

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

About the LE of Mark: You've said that we should leave in the longer ending of Mark's Gospel because removing it could upset some Christians. If this is so, then should we be including things like the Comma Johanneum because removing that has upset some Christians? Where do you believe we should draw the line, and why?

Q&A question: About the LE of Mark

About Evidence & Belief: Imagine if someone asked you, “Would you be willing to disbelieve in God if the evidence led there?” What would your response be? Are we obligated to say yes? Does that dishonor God?

Q&A question: About Evidence & Belief

apologetics

Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

Are All of God’s Actions Infallible?: How do I approach a conversation with someone who doesn't believe God is infallible? He believes in the God of the Bible, but he doesn't think all of God's actions are "good," like in the book of Job.

Q&A question: Are All of God’s Actions Infallible?

biblical inerrancy

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

About the Natural Condition of Man: I've heard you say that you don't agree with any of the points in TULIP. What do you believe about the natural condition of man?

Q&A question: About the Natural Condition of Man

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

Protecting Children from Bad Teaching: My Hubby was raised Mormon. He still believes it all but isn't active. His family takes my son to church if he stays with them & they've started teaching him LDS doctrine. I want to not let him go anymore w/out hurting them. Advice?

Q&A question: Protecting Children from Bad Teaching

Mormonism

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-08

Did God Ordain Animal Sacrifices?: Does Jeremiah 7: 22 & Matthew 9: 13 indicate God never ordained animal sacrifices? To me it seems God has gradually moved mankind away from sacrifices & idol worship and into His ideal form of religion.

Q&A question: Did God Ordain Animal Sacrifices?

Jeremiah Matthew Jeremiah worship Matthew

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-08

Does Forgiveness Challenge Responsibility?: My grandma rejects Christianity because she claims relying on the forgiveness of a savior teaches us that we don’t have to be responsible for our own actions. How can I help her untangle that belief?

Q&A question: Does Forgiveness Challenge Responsibility?

forgiveness

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-15

Advice for an Unequally Yoked Marriage: My wife is an unbeliever. The more I attend church, the more strain it puts on our marriage. Is it right to continue going to church, or should I stop? (1 Corinthians 7: 14) I pray for her every day.

Q&A question: Advice for an Unequally Yoked Marriage

1 Corinthians 7 1 Corinthians 7 marriage

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-15

Is “Deliverance” / Demon Casting Biblical?: I'm wondering about your thoughts on deliverance. Would you consider calling and identifying demons biblical, or is it not?

Q&A question: Is “Deliverance” / Demon Casting Biblical?

demons

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-15

About God’s Omnipotence & Non-Contradiction: Since God can’t contradict Himself, does that mean that His power is limited in a way? I know God is all powerful, but what is the logical reason behind Him being powerful and non-contradictory?

Q&A question: About God’s Omnipotence & Non-Contradiction

biblical reliability

About “Feeling” God’s Presence: I always hear Christians say they “felt the presence of God.” How can I feel His presence? I read His Word as much as I can and pray often, but have never “felt” His presence.

Q&A question: About “Feeling” God’s Presence

Can a Muslim be Saved?: Is it possible for a Muslim to be saved through faith since they also believe in to getting into Heaven by God's grace (although through works) and through repentance of sins?

Q&A question: Can a Muslim be Saved?

repentance Islam

About the “Wages of Sin”: If “the wages of sin is death,” why is there a Hell? When a non-believer dies, why wasn't that debt paid by their death?

Q&A question: About the “Wages of Sin”

hell

How Important is Inerrancy?: I found out that several big teachers and content writers at my church don't believe that the Bible is inerrant? Should I be concerned?

Q&A question: How Important is Inerrancy?

biblical inerrancy

About the “2 or 3 Witnesses” Principle: What is the significance of the Bible saying "2 or 3 witnesses" to establish an accusation, as opposed to saying "2 witnesses" or "3 witnesses"?

Q&A question: About the “2 or 3 Witnesses” Principle

evangelism

Do Ghosts / Demons Exist?: I have a feeling that something is living in my house that shouldn't be there, and it is taking all the energy out of me! Do ghosts/demons really exist, and how can I get rid of them?

Q&A question: Do Ghosts / Demons Exist?

demons

John 11 resurrection John 11

About Being Alive in Christ/Future Resurrection: Please explain John 11: 25-26, how the first person became dead but believed and the second person being a believer never dies.

Q&A question: About Being Alive in Christ/Future Resurrection

Is Marriage Different Now?: My friend says the definition of marriage evolved over time, and that now it’s a legal contract, but in biblical times she claims it was a social transfer of care. Thus, she believes living with her boyfriend unmarried is biblical. Thoughts?

Q&A question: Is Marriage Different Now?

marriage

Help with Doubts & Unbelief: How do you stop doubting that God exists or that Christianity is the true religion out of many, especially Islam? Sometimes my faith wanders from belief to unbelief. Any tips?

Q&A question: Help with Doubts & Unbelief

Islam

Hebrews 11 Joshua 2 Romans 3 Rahab Hebrews 11 pastoral ministry

Was it Right for Rahab to Lie?: Hebrews 11: 31 says that Rahab's faith saved her. Yet Joshua 2:4-6 shows Rahab lying about the Israelite spies. Romans 3:7-8 condemns good from evil. How do we reconcile this, Pastor Mike?

Q&A question: Was it Right for Rahab to Lie?

About Tithing & “Prosperity” Teachings: My church says a declaration before tithing. Part of it is: "I am believing Him for advancements, God-ideas, blessings & increases, financial freedom, & breakthroughs." Is this a prosperity church red flag?

Q&A question: About Tithing & “Prosperity” Teachings

tithing

Are Murder Mysteries Appropriate for Believers?: I watched your video on Halloween, and I’m wondering what your thoughts are on murder mystery dinner parties (and for that matter, murder mysteries in general). Is it wrong to be entertained by them?

Q&A question: Are Murder Mysteries Appropriate for Believers?

How to Repent When We’re Not “Feeling” It: How do I repent unto salvation (repent and be saved) when I do not want to? I am asking from the current place of being unsaved.

Q&A question: How to Repent When We’re Not “Feeling” It

salvation

About God being our Loving Father: I've been a believer for a very long time, but still struggle with the concept of God as loving Father. Mainly due to my upbringing. How do I overcome this? The doubt is overwhelming.

Q&A question: About God being our Loving Father

doubt and faith

How to Witness to an Angry Person: My friend has left Christianity. His family is a bit extreme and aggressive with their faith, and he says they are what pushed him away from his. If I try to talk with him, he gets angry. What can I do?

Q&A question: How to Witness to an Angry Person

evangelism

Will Unbelievers Bow?: Does “every knee shall bow” refer to each person when they die and stand before God, or mankind collectively at the return of Jesus? If it's the latter, does this mean unbelievers will be forced to do this?

Q&A question: Will Unbelievers Bow?

Jesus

Anxiety about Repenting of Every Sin: How can I deal with the urge to ask for forgiveness for nearly every intrusive thought, feeling, and temptation? If I'm asking out of anxiety, am I asking in vain? I don't want to treat sin lightly.

Q&A question: Anxiety about Repenting of Every Sin

forgiveness

Can People be Tricked into Hell?: Can people be tricked into Hell, such as people born into false religions or North Korea? If so, how is that fair?

Q&A question: Can People be Tricked into Hell?

hell

Should We Correct Non-Believers’ Sins?: What is the Christian’s role in bringing up non-believers’ specific sins? Should we, at all? I hear people reference John 16:8. How should we best evangelize to non-believers?

Q&A question: Should We Correct Non-Believers’ Sins?

John 16 John 16 angels

Ezekiel salvation baptism prophecy

About Jews, Prophecy, & Baptism: Did the Jews (ex. Nicodemus) understand the prophecies of a future cleansing as involving literal water (ex. Ezekiel 36: 25-27)? A colleague thinks so (she believes baptism is necessary for salvation).

Q&A question: About Jews, Prophecy, & Baptism

Is Hypnosis OK for Christians?: What does the Bible say about hypnosis as a form of medical treatment? I struggle with food addiction and have heard that it can help by reaching the subconscious. However, I want to be super careful not to dip into the supernatural demonic realm that can sometimes happen during yoga sessions when "channeling your inner-self" and "connecting with the universe."

Q&A question: Is Hypnosis OK for Christians?

demons

Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?: I’ve heard several teachings about prayer and I’m a bit confused. Are we to pray once, believe we have it, and walk in faith? Or should we pray repeatedly until God gives us an answer?

Q&A question: Should We Pray Once or Repeatedly?

prayer

Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?: Jesus promises to give us what we ask in His name/His will, if we believe it. He also says to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Can we really say that God keeps His promises when this doesn't always happen?

Q&A question: Can We Trust the Lord Through Unanswered Prayer?

Jesus prayer