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All (212) Mike Winger (212)
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-01

Gift of singleness: a choice, not only a sovereign assignment

Continuing Q9 on singleness

1 Corinthians 7 1 Corinthians 7 singleness free will
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-01

Bonus Q: Children's books on evolution — recommendations for teaching children multiple worldviews

Response to parent who received evolution children's books as Christmas gifts

Natasha Crain apologetics worldview
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-15

Spiritual gifts cannot be taught or transferred — they are given by the Spirit as he wills

Question from Ad Chan about whether spiritual gifts can be taught.

1 Corinthians 12 Spiritual gifts 1 Corinthians 12 Holy Spirit sovereignty
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-15

Though gifts cannot be taught, believers can grow in their expression and use of already-given gifts

Nuanced development of the spiritual gifts question.

1 Corinthians 14 2 Timothy 1:6 1 Corinthians 14 Elijah Spiritual gifts
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-29

Charismatic conundrum of 2020: mass false prophecy and its root cause in lack of checks and balances

First pre-selected topic before viewer questions. Mike addresses widespread false prophecies in charismatic circles regarding Trump re-election and COVID-19.

charismatic movement false prophecy prophecy testing
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-29

How to test a prophecy before it is fulfilled: track record matters more than individual accuracy; errors are disqualifying

Question from Omar Barr about testing prophecy before it is fulfilled, including the 2020 Trump prophecies.

discernment charismatic movement false prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-12

Q14: Is the authority Jesus gave the 12 and 70 disciples different from spiritual gifts? Mike distinguishes pre-Pentecost authority from post-Pentecost Spirit-enabled gifts

Viewer Silas Bourner asks whether the authority Jesus granted the Twelve and Seventy to heal and cast out demons is different from spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 12 Luke 10 Pentecost spiritual gifts charismatic movement
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Plan according to your God-given gifts, not just desires or vague calling

Practical guidance for Christian life planning: identifying gifts rather than merely desires or claimed callings.

spiritual gifts planning and providence vocation
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-19

Helmet of Salvation — remembering your identity in Christ as foundational protection

Fifth piece of armor. Helmet protects the head; salvation protects the believer's identity and eternal standing.

Ephesians 6:17 identity in Christ assurance of salvation armor of God
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Advice for a 20-year-old preparing for pastoral ministry: balance seminary education with active local church service, and remove ego.

Question from John Parizzo about preparing for pastoral ministry while in college and seminary.

Pastoral formation Seminary education Humility in ministry
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Tips for an atheist starting to believe: gather intellectual reasons for God, practice spiritual disciplines, and make choices that shape belief.

Question from Emil Codrin about how to start believing after a lifetime of atheism.

Evidence for God Christopher Hitchens Spiritual disciplines
Mike Winger idea 2020-12-04

Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a post-salvation experience with mandatory tongues is not supported by Scripture; authentic gifts are preferred over formulaic fake ones.

Question from Lauren Breon about whether the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a separate experience with prayer language is scriptural.

1 Corinthians 12 Cessationism Baptism of the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 12
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-22

Ministry titles and the clergy-laity distinction: what Jesus really forbade in Matthew 23

Chris Horn asked whether Matthew 23:8-12 prohibits using ministry titles like pastor or elder.

1 Timothy 3 Galatians 3:28 Matthew 23:8-12 servant leadership overseer episkopos
Mike Winger idea 2021-01-22

Testing whether a vision or impression is from the Holy Spirit

UK Dove Girl asked how to know whether a lucid open-eyed vision comes from the Spirit rather than the subconscious.

Holy Spirit discernment prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-26

Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 8 — typological connection to Christ, not the Holy Spirit

Steven Rivers asks whether Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 8 could be the Holy Spirit and whether Hebrew/Greek pronouns clarify the gender.

Proverbs 8 1 Corinthians 1 typology Holy Spirit Christology
Mike Winger idea 2021-02-26

Knowing God's will for major decisions — acting without certainty

Simply Put asks how to know if God is guiding him and his wife to move to remote Alaska for missions.

Matthew 10 calling missions Matthew 10
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-26

Waiting on the Lord is an active, not passive, posture — characterized by seeking first the kingdom in whatever capacity is available now.

Derek Beeler asks for advice on a season of waiting to discern God's calling.

Matthew 6:33 Chuck Smith Matthew 6:33 pastoral counseling
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Hebrews 6:4-6 — apostasy, hardness of heart, and the possible national Israel interpretation

Question from A.D. Chan about whether Hebrews 6:4-6 applies to Judas and what "falling away" means for someone who has experienced the Spirit.

Romans 11 Hebrews 6:4-6 Romans 11 Judas Iscariot Repentance
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

Hebrews 10:25 and the obligation to gather: absolute or contextual?

Question from The Invisible Hand about online-only churches during COVID and whether they violate the command not to forsake assembling.

Hebrews 10:25 Hebrews 10:25 Christian conscience Corporate worship / assembly
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

Fruits of the Spirit in believers vs. unbelievers: the difference is source (Holy Spirit) and ultimate quality/context, not the complete absence of these qualities in unbelievers.

Q20 from Craig Burnett: what is the difference in gifts/fruits of the Spirit between a Christian and a non-Christian displaying the same qualities (patience, gentleness, peace)?

Galatians 5:22-23 2 Timothy 4:10 Holy Spirit fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Does God have a sense of humor? Yes — Scripture confirms it, and pleasure/humor are good gifts not inherently sinful

Q4 from Silas Abrahamson: Does God have a sense of humor?

Psalm Matthew 7 God's character asceticism humor
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

Ephesians 4:7-16 overview: gifts given to the church equip saints toward unity.

Question 1 from Tanya about Ephesians 4:7-16.

Ephesians 4:7-16 church unity pastor-teacher spiritual gifts
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-04

Q: Baptism in Acts 2:38 — is it required for salvation? No. Acts 10 (Cornelius) shows people receiving the Holy Spirit BEFORE baptism. The gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38 comes after repentance; baptism is commanded but not essential to receiving salvation. Cornelius was saved, Spirit-filled, and speaking in tongues before water baptism.

Q&A — baptism and salvation (Acts 2:38 vs Acts 10)

Acts 2:38 Acts 10 Cornelius Acts 2:38 baptism and salvation Acts 10 Cornelius
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-15

Mike on women in ministry: he's complementarian — the highest leadership/preaching/governing role is reserved for men God has called. But he struggles with how to apply this to the wide variety of modern ministry situations. Women can teach; the question is in what contexts. He encourages women to study Scripture carefully and let it guide their choices.

Women in ministry — complementarian but cautious on application

1 Timothy 2:12 women in ministry complementarianism complementarianism
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-21

Are tongues overrated? Yes, in many circles. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:1: tongues without love = noisy gong. 1 Corinthians 14: tongues should be limited in gatherings, require interpretation, and if an unbeliever enters they'll think you're crazy. Paul explicitly says prophecy is BETTER than tongues because it edifies the whole church. Tongues as a status symbol or proof of salvation is completely unbiblical.

Tongues overrated — 1 Corinthians 13-14

1 Corinthians 13:1 1 Corinthians 14 tongues speaking in tongues 1 Corinthians 13:1 speaking in tongues
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Faith for miracles is different from saving faith — it's initiated by God (a spiritual gift), not fabricated by the believer. Jesus had a responsive ministry to the Father, not initiatory. You respond to what the Spirit reveals.

Theological framework: miracle-faith as God-initiated response, not self-generated belief

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14
Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

Intercessory prayer may be connected to the spiritual gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9) — a Spirit-given burden to pray persistently for specific people or situations beyond normal prayer discipline.

Q14: Is intercessory prayer a spiritual gift?

1 Corinthians 12 Persis spiritual gifts prayer
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

About the “5-Fold Ministry”: Have you heard of the "5-Fold Ministry" way of thinking about apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers exercising those gifts today? And if so, what are your thoughts about it?

Q&A question: About the “5-Fold Ministry”

prophecy pastoral ministry Apostles
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 2021-09-03

About Giving Everything for the Lord: If salvation is a free gift and not by works, then why does Jesus say those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples? How do we know when we have given up everything?

Q&A question: About Giving Everything for the Lord

Jesus salvation
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-28

Book of Ecclesiastes – Enjoying Life?: When the teacher in Ecclesiastes says to enjoy life, in the context of the book, is it being said like "Enjoy it 'cause it is a gift from God," or "Enjoy your lot since everything is meaningless”?

Q&A question: Book of Ecclesiastes – Enjoying Life?

hermeneutics
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

What are the “Best Spiritual Gifts”?: What do you think Paul is referring to in 1 Corinthians 12: 31 when he says to desire "the best gifts"?

Q&A question: What are the “Best Spiritual Gifts”?

1 Corinthians 12 spiritual gifts 1 Corinthians 12
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-29

Why are Tongues Only Prevalent in Some Denominations?: Why is speaking in tongues so common in specific church denominations, but virtually never happens in others? What does this say about other spiritual gifts?

Q&A question: Why are Tongues Only Prevalent in Some Denominations?

spiritual gifts tongues
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Do Our Spiritual Gifts Ever Change?: As believers, are we given a static set of spiritual gifts, or are our gifts more dynamic in nature so that God adds to and/or subtracts from them according to our season of life or our maturity in Him?

Q&A question: Do Our Spiritual Gifts Ever Change?

spiritual gifts
Mike Winger idea 2022-12-02

Why Do Two Peoples’ Prayers Yield Different Results?: Why do some people have a gift of healing that works when they pray for people, but I can’t do the same? If we are praying to the same God, why do two peoples’ prayers give different results?

Q&A question: Why Do Two Peoples’ Prayers Yield Different Results?

prayer healing
Mike Winger idea 2023-01-13

How to Grow in Self-Control: Because it is a fruit of the Spirit, is self-control a teachable skill like in Titus 2, or a gift of the Spirit? What practical advice do you have to get more emotional and verbal self-control?

Q&A question: How to Grow in Self-Control

Titus Titus 2 Titus Titus 2
Mike Winger idea 2023-01-27

Is the Senior Pastor Role Biblical?: Why do so many churches have a “head” pastor that does mostly all the teaching when God gives teaching gifts and words to many people?

Q&A question: Is the Senior Pastor Role Biblical?

pastoral ministry
Mike Winger idea 2023-01-27

Are there Additional Spiritual Gifts?: Are there more spiritual gifts than those talked about in the Bible?

Q&A question: Are there Additional Spiritual Gifts?

spiritual gifts
Mike Winger idea 2023-04-07

Should we Pray for Specific Gifts?: What do you think about praying expectantly for a very specific gift of the Holy Spirit? I see people blessed with certain gifts teaching classes. For example, I've seen classes on how to prophesy.

Q&A question: Should we Pray for Specific Gifts?

Holy Spirit
Mike Winger idea 2023-11-17

Is Cessationism Heretical?: What can I say to a Cessationist brother who calls me heretical for simply believing in the miraculous gifts of the Spirit? Can there be unity?

Q&A question: Is Cessationism Heretical?

cessationism heresy
Mike Winger idea 2023-12-01

Are You Casting Pearls Before Swine?: When should we apply Matthew 7:6? I ask because for Christmas, I want to give a spiritually themed gift to my unbelieving sister, who has crudely rejected the Bible and God multiple times. Should I even bother?

Q&A question: Are You Casting Pearls Before Swine?

Matthew Matthew 7 Matthew Matthew 7
Mike Winger idea 2024-04-12

Can Prophecies be given “On-Demand”?: A couple with a prophetic ministry came to my church and gave a word of knowledge to all who asked. I don’t see prophecy-on-demand in Scripture. Is this a proper use of the gift of prophecy?

Q&A question: Can Prophecies be given “On-Demand”?

prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2024-05-24

Winger rejects the 'covering' argument that a senior male pastor can authorize female elders/pastors under his headship. A husband is the head of his wife — an elder is NOT the head of other elders. 1 Timothy 2 says 'I don't allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man,' period — not 'without a male head.'

Q&A: advice for a member of a church with a male lead elder pastoring alongside ordained female elders who often teach on Sundays.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 1 Timothy 2:12 women in ministry complementarianism headship
Mike Winger idea 2024-07-26

Prophecy = Preaching the Word?: I hear many Bible teachers say that the New Testament gift of prophecy is merely proclaiming/preaching the Word; it is never predictive or revelatory. That doesn’t seem right to me. Could you give us your take?

Q&A question: Prophecy = Preaching the Word?

prophecy
Mike Winger idea 2024-08-30

Multiplying Gifts & Producing Fruit: What does the word “interest” mean (spiritually speaking) in Luke 19: 23? How can one not multiply God’s gifts but still produce fruit?

Q&A question: Multiplying Gifts & Producing Fruit
Mike Winger idea 2025-01-10

Interpretations for Private Tongues?: When the gift of speaking in tongues is in operation, do the same requirements and standards exist for private/smaller ministry gatherings as they do the corporate gatherings of a church service? For example, if someone in the background is praying in tongues while you are praying for someone at a hospital, does that still demand an interpretation?

Q&A question: Interpretations for Private Tongues?

tongues
Mike Winger idea 2025-02-07

Prophecy Always Positive?: Is the gift of prophecy always supposed to yield a positive, uplifting revelation?

Q&A question: Prophecy Always Positive?

revelation prophecy revelation
Mike Winger idea 2025-02-07

Praying Over Things?: What are your thoughts on praying over a house or object? Is that superstition?

Q&A question: Praying Over Things?
Mike Winger idea 2025-02-07

Giving Time vs. Money?: Is it ever OK to give time instead of money to church? How do we balance giving vs. saving, especially if giving might cause debt (Mark 12: 41-44, Romans 13:1-8)? I also have a family to provide for.

Q&A question: Giving Time vs. Money?

Romans 13 Mark 12 Romans 13 Mark 12
Mike Winger idea 2025-02-07

Parable of the Wedding Feast: Can you please explain the parable in Matthew 22: 1-14 (The Parable of the Wedding Feast)? I don’t understand the meaning.

Q&A question: Parable of the Wedding Feast

Matthew Matthew
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